Leadville Trail 100

The Leadville Trail 100 is one of the most legendary ultramarathons in the world. Since 1983, runners have tested themselves on this brutal 100-mile course through the Colorado Rockies, entirely above 9,200 feet elevation. The thin air, rugged terrain, and mountain weather combine to create the ultimate endurance challenge.

The race has broken elite athletes and transformed ordinary people into legends. With a roughly 50% finish rate and a 30-hour cutoff, simply completing the Leadville 100 puts you in rare company. Finishing under 25 hours earns the prestigious "big buckle."

The Course

Start/Finish: 6th Street in downtown Leadville (10,152 feet).

Route: An out-and-back course heading south to the turnaround near Winfield ghost town, then returning to Leadville. The route follows mining roads, singletrack, and jeep trails through the Sawatch Range.

Key climbs: Hope Pass (12,600 feet) is the crux—crossed twice, once in each direction. Sugarloaf Mountain and Powerline add thousands of feet of climbing.

Terrain: Everything from smooth dirt roads to rocky trails. River crossings, technical descents, and exposed alpine sections. The course changes depending on weather and conditions.

History & Legacy

The Leadville 100 started in 1983, created by Ken Chlouber to revitalize the town after the mining industry collapsed. The slogan "You're tougher than you think you are, and you can do more than you think you can" became a mantra for ultrarunning.

Notable moments: Ann Trason's legendary battles with the course and male competitors. Tarahumara runners from Mexico's Copper Canyon competing in traditional sandals. Countless stories of personal transformation and triumph.

The book: Christopher McDougall's "Born to Run" brought global attention to the race and the sport. Leadville has since become a bucket-list event for runners worldwide.

Race Week Events

The race weekend includes multiple events beyond the main 100-mile run:

Leadville 100 MTB: A 100-mile mountain bike race the week before the run. Equally legendary in cycling circles.

Leadville 10K: A starter race for those not quite ready for the full hundred.

Heavy Half Marathon: 15 miles at altitude—a serious challenge itself.

Pre-race events: Runner check-in, course briefings, and community celebrations fill Leadville the week before the race.

Spectating the Race

Watching the Leadville 100 is almost as inspiring as running it. Key spectator spots include:

Start line: 4am Saturday on 6th Street. Emotional send-off with the entire town cheering.

Outward Bound: Mile 23, accessible by car. Runners pass through twice (out and back).

Twin Lakes: Mile 40, the major aid station. Accessible, with good viewing and atmosphere.

Finish line: 6th Street again. Runners trickle in from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning. Each finisher is celebrated.

Pace yourself: The race runs up to 30 hours. You can't watch it all. Pick key spots and rest in between.

Tips for Race Weekend

Book lodging early. Race week fills every hotel, cabin, and campsite within 30 miles. Reserve months in advance.

Respect the altitude. Visitors from lower elevations struggle just walking around. Take it easy.

Dress for weather. August in Leadville can be freezing at night and hot during the day. Layers essential.

Support local businesses. The race brings vital economic activity. Eat at local restaurants, shop local.

Stay for the finishers. The most emotional moments come as struggling runners cross the line near the 30-hour cutoff. Witnessing someone achieve the impossible changes you.