August 22, 2026
This is it. The Race of All Races. Where it all began.
In 1983, 45 tough-minded runners braved 100 miles of high-altitude, extreme Rocky Mountain terrain — starting at 10,200 feet, climbing to 12,500 feet and running into global endurance history. Today, the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 RUN presented by La Sportiva is one of the oldest, most storied endurance running events in the world — with not one, but two climbs on the crux of the course: Hope Pass (12,500 feet). Every year, a select handful of gritty, gutsy and determined runners make the pilgrimage to Cloud City to Race Across the Sky and take their shot at etching their name among the Leadville Legendary. The red carpet awaits.
HISTORY
The “Race Across the Sky” was first held in 1983 and was created by Ken Chlouber, a local miner who wanted to bring attention to the town of Leadville after the closure of the Climax Mine. It has since become one of the most iconic ultramarathons in the world. Over the years, the Leadville Trail 100 Run has attracted top athletes from around the globe as they come to Leadville for the ultimate test of Grit, Guts and Determination, on their quest for the coveted silver and gold beltbuckle.
WATCH
In 2023, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the legendary Leadville Trail 100 Run. Join us as we dive into the heart of this iconic race, bridging the gap between its storied history and the present, all through the incredible journeys of four dedicated runners at the 2023 event.
Race Across the Sky Expo
Head to downtown Leadville for the free, outdoor, open-to-the-public Race Across the Sky Expo. While you check-in and pick up your swag bag, you can give your friends and family a taste of that Cloud City magic. From free swag and bike demos to live podcasts and beer tents, the Expo offers the perfect complement to two of the most prestigious endurance events on the planet.
COURSE
The LT100 Run course is a brutal out-and-back ultramarathon that will push even the toughest runners to their limits. The course starts and finishes in Leadville, but the true challenge is the rugged and unrelenting terrain along the way. The course includes steep climbs of Powerline, high-altitude passes like Sugarloaf, and technical terrain on the Colorado Trail, all amounting to over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. The course reaches a peak elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level on the crux of the course, Hope Pass, where runners will gasp for breath and question their sanity. The LT100 Run race course is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are up to the challenge, it is an unforgettable experience.
Minimum Participation Age: 18+ on Race Day
Event Lottery:
- Open from 12/1/25 – 12/15/25
- Results announced 1/8/26
Event Pricing:
- Leadville Trail 100 Run | $495
There are several ways to enter into the Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva. Please refer to our Lottery & Qualification page for details:
2025 deferral deadline: Start of Expo
Please see our deferral policies page for complete information on deferrals.
From the very beginning, volunteers have made the Leadville Race Series possible. We truly appreciate all that our great volunteers do to make our races run smoothly and to make the racers’ experience unforgettable. If you are going to be in town for the LT100 RUN, we would love for you to join the family and pitch in.
Thanks in advance for your help — we couldn’t do it without you!
Head on over to our Volunteer information page for more info on how to sign up!
Medical Volunteers:
We are looking forward to having safe events and we’re excited to welcome our new medical volunteers. If you are a doctor, nurse, or EMT and would like to help in this capacity, please email Andrea Rogers of Lake County Search and rescue at races@lakecountysar.org for more information and to sign up as a medical volunteer.
Thanks in advance for your help — we couldn’t do it without you!
Click the link below to view live race results and timing splits, courtesy of Athlinks
Click the link below to sign up for SMS updates when your athlete crosses each timing split.
*Please note that due to backcountry terrain, there may be lag time on updates based on cell signal availability.
Click the link below to view and purchase your race day photos, courtesy of Marathonfoto.
*Please note that it may take up to 48 hours after the event for all photos to be uploaded.
FRIDAY
- 10:00am | Mandatory Athlete Meeting
- Location: Lake County High School Football field – outdoor venue
- 11:00am – 5:00pm | Packet Pickup / Expo
- Location: 135 E 6th Street
- Photo ID is required
- Packets must be picked up in person
- Packets will not be mailed or given to others
- Expo Stage Programming Coming Soon!
- Location: 135 E 6th Street
- 11:00am – 5:00pm | Drop Bag drop-off
- Location: 316 Harrison Ave – Leadville Race Series Retail Store.
- Only clear plastic bags are allowed
- Clearly label bags with your name, race number and aid station in large letters
- Drop Bag Return
- ~8:00am Sunday
- Location: 316 Harrison Ave – Leadville Race Series Retail Store.
- Note: Any bags not picked up by 5pm Sunday will be donated to local charities!
SATURDAY – RACE DAY!
- 3:00am – 3:45am | Starting Line Open
- Location: Corner of 6th St & Harrison
- 4:00am | RACE START
- Saturday Cutoff Times:
- 7:45am – Mayqueen cutoff (outbound)
- 10:00am – Outward Bound cutoff (outbound)
- 11:30am – Half Pipe cutoff (outbound)
- 1:30pm – Twin Lakes Village cutoff (outbound)
- 4:00pm – Hope Pass cutoff (outbound)
- 6:00pm – Winfield cutoff (turnaround)
- 10:15pm – Twin Lakes Village cutoff (inbound)
SUNDAY
- Sunday Cutoff Times:
- 1:15am – Half Pipe (inbound)
- 3:00am – Outward Bound (inbound)
- 5:00am – 25 Hour Cutoff Time – Runners that finish under 25hrs will get the BIG buckle (based on chip time)
- FINISH LINE Location: Corner of 6th St & Harrison
- 6:30am – Mayqueen (inbound)
- 10:00am – 30 Hour Cutoff Time – Runners that finish under 30hrs will get “small” buckle (based on chip time)
- FINISH LINE Location: Corner of 6th St & Harrison
- 12:00pm Awards Ceremony
- Location: Lake County High School Football field – outdoor venue
- All awards will be presented at this time and must be picked up in person.
- Awards will not be given to others and will not be distributed before or after the awards ceremony.
- Note: Belt buckles will be distributed in the finish chute & finisher jackets will be printed and mailed to all athletes.
The 100-mile out-and-back course is in the midst of the Colorado Rockies. Low point, 9,200 feet; high point is Hope Pass, 12,600 feet. Majority is on forest trails with some mountain roads. Pacers allowed after the 62-mile point.
- 99.7 miles
- GPX / Interactive Map
- 15,492’ Elevation Gain
- 9,206’ Lowest Point
- 12,526’ Highest Point
There are 11 aid stations along the course. Please refer to the Crew Info tab for crew access info.
- Aid stations will offer: Water, Neversecond energy gel and high-carbohydrate beverage mix, Skratch Labs hydration, bars and chews, and assorted foods including bananas, figs, pretzels, chips, coke products, etc.
Aid Station 1: Mayqueen (Outbound)
- Outbound cutoff time: 7:45 AM
- Outbound Mileage: 12.4
- No Outbound Crew Access
Aid Station 2: Outward Bound (Outbound)
- Outbound cutoff time: 10:00 AM
- Outbound Mileage: 23.3
- Crew Access Available – See Crew Info tab for details.
Aid Station 3: Half Pipe (Outbound)
- Outbound cutoff time: 11:30 AM
- Outbound Mileage: 29.2
- No Crew Access
Aid Station 4: Twin Lakes Village (Outbound)
- Outbound cutoff time: 1:30 PM
- Outbound Mileage: 37.9
- Crew Access Available – See Crew Info tab for details.
Aid Station 5: Hope Pass (Outbound)
- Outbound cutoff time: 4:00 PM
- Outbound Mileage: 43.1
- No Crew Access
Aid Station 6: Winfield (Turnaround)
- Outbound cutoff time: 6:00 PM
- Mileage: 49.8
- No Crew Access
Aid Station 7: Hope Pass (Inbound)
- No Inbound Cutoff
- Inbound Mileage: 56.7
- No Crew Access
Aid Station 8: Twin Lakes Village (Inbound)
- Inbound Cutoff: 10:15 PM
- Inbound Mileage: 61.8
- Crew Access Available – See Crew Info tab for details.
Aid Station 9: Half Pipe (Inbound)
- Inbound Cutoff: 1:15 AM
- Inbound Mileage: 70.3
- No Crew Access
Aid Station 10: Outward Bound (Inbound)
- Inbound Cutoff: 3:00 AM
- Inbound Mileage: 76.2
- Crew Access Available – See Crew Info tab for details.
Aid Station 11: Mayqueen (Inbound)
- Inbound Cutoff: 6:30 AM
- Inbound Mileage: 87.2
- Crew Access Available (inbound ONLY) – See Crew Info tab for details.
Finish Cutoff: 10:00 AM
All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
This event is held on the San Isabel National Forest under a special use permit.
Train with what you’ll use on Race Day! You can find the following products at aid stations for all Leadville Race Series Events:
Neversecond – Energy Gels and High-Carbohydrate Sports Drink
Here’s what you’ll find on course:
C60 High-Carbohydrate Sports Drink – Citrus and Unflavored – A mix of C30 formula to provide a 60 gram offering
C30 Energy Gels – Citrus, Passion Fruit, and Orange
C30+ Energy Gels (caffeinated) – Cola and Berry
There is a lot of mixed information when it comes to eating or drinking in the last hour before competition. Taking in some carbohydrate may help, because it provides extra fuel that may be needed, especially during longer events. However, it can also result in so called rebound hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia with symptoms of weakness, dizziness and nausea. So, it can have positive as well as negative effects? What should we do? This blog will give you the ins and outs.
Skratch Labs – Hydration Mix, Energy Bars & Chews
Skratch Labs is proud to support this year’s athletes with on-course hydration and energy that helps you perform and tastes great—no gut bombs, no gimmicks.
🍫 Energy Bars – Peanut Butter + Chocolate, Cinnamon + Oatmeal
🍬 Energy Chews – Orange, Grape, Sour Cherry with Caffeine
To earn the coveted silver and gold of the Leadville Trail 100 beltbuckle, you must finish the race in under 30 hours for the small buckle and under 25 hours for the big buckle.
All buckle times are based on individual runner chip times, as they have been in years past. See the definition of chip time vs. gun time below.
- 25-hour cutoff time = BIG BUCKLE
- 30-hour cutoff time = SMALL BUCKLE and official finisher
CHIP TIME vs GUN TIME
- Chip Time – your time starts when you cross the timing mat at the start, and ends when you cross the timing mat when you finish – accounting for all elapsed time on the course.
- Gun Time – your time starts when the race starts
- Reminder – Chip time will be used to determine your belt buckle eligibility and there will be no changes to those times. Gun time will be used for course cutoffs.
We recognize crews as a critical component to all of our events. Our courses cover open roads and trails and careful consideration must go into how and where crews can access their athletes. A conscious plan around this is a foundation of our partnership with the community, USFS, BLM, City of Leadville and Lake County officials to ensure we are providing a safe event experience to everyone involved.
Crew & Shuttle Map:
CREW LOCATIONS:
- There are 4 crewing locations: runners will hit each location twice
- Crewing outside of these locations is against official rules, resulting in disqualification of your runner
PARKING:
- Parking pass required in some locations, see access details below
- Twin Lakes Village is only accessible via shuttle
- Attendants will assist you with parking
- Park only in designated areas
- Do not disturb wildlife or vegetation
WRISTBANDS:
- All athletes will receive color coded wristbands based on their corral placement
- Crews must wear wristbands to access certain areas of the course, see access details below
- Course mileage – 23.3 miles Outbound, 76.2 miles Inbound
- GPS Location
Access Details:
- No crewing or parking restrictions
- Bring all the gear and support you need!
Setup Info:
- Setup begins at 5:00am Saturday
Shuttle Info:
- Crew shuttles will run continuously from Outward Bound to Twin Lakes Village
- Shuttles will run from 6:00am – 11:00pm (or until all crews are returned)
- Course mileage – 26.8 miles Outbound / 72.7 miles Inbound
- GPS Location
Access Details:
- No crewing or parking restrictions
- Bring all the gear and support you need
Setup Info:
- Setup begins at 5:00am Saturday
- Course Mileage – 37.9 miles Outbound, 61.8 miles Inbound
- GPS Location
Access Details:
- Crew wristbands required (kids 10 & under exempt)
- No driving access, all crews must use the shuttle from Outward Bound
Reserved Crewing Spaces:
- Reserved crewing spaces are 10’x10′ areas assigned to a specific athlete and their crew.
- Tents, chairs, and other large items are allowed (must fit within your assigned space)
- Large items must be dropped off on Friday
- Setup details will be communicated via email.
Drawing Details:
- Reserved Crewing Spaces will be distributed through two random drawings
- Free to enter for all registered athletes
- Signup links will be sent via email
- Athletes who are not selected in Drawing 1 will be automatically entered for Drawing 2
- To remove your name from consideration, please reach out via email to leadville@ltevents.zendesk.com
- Drawing 1:
- Open April 15 – April 21
- Results announced April 28
- Drawing 2:
- Open July 27 – August 2
- Results announced August 5
Open Crewing Area:
- Crews who do not receive a reserved space must use the Open Crewing Area
- This is a shared space with shade and seating provided
- No large items (tents, chairs, coolers) allowed in the open crewing area
- Bring only what you can fit in your lap on the shuttle.
- Course mileage – 87.2 miles Inbound
- GPS Location
Access Details:
- Inbound crewing only
-
- Crew access begins Saturday at 5:00pm
- Traffic will move clockwise around the lake
- Must enter from the South/Dam side, exit to north)
- Crew wristbands required (kids 10 & under exempt)
- Parking pass required
Crews must follow all rules outlined below. Failure to abide may result in disqualification of their athlete.
- Crews must abide by all race rules and Lake County laws
- Crews must follow the instructions of race officials, event staff, volunteers, and uniformed personnel
- Crews must stay within the boundaries of the official crewing locations
- Crews may provide support to any registered athlete, not just their own
- Crews must abide by all access details and crewing restrictions
- Crews must respect our natural environment, no littering
PACER INFO
Pacers can pick up their runners at any point on course beginning at Twin Lakes inbound at mile 61.8.
Each runner will receive 2 pacer bibs at packet pickup. If you require more than 2 pacers, you will have to transfer one pacer bib to the next pacer, or you can pick up a pacer bib at one of the following checkpoints:
**No vehicle access at this point so you will be required to hike or bike in to obtain pacer bibs and to meet your runner at this location.
Pacer Transportation
- Twin Lakes Pacers
- Please use shuttle system from Outward Bound to Twin Lakes
- We will make sure you get back to your car at OB
- Please use shuttle system from Outward Bound to Twin Lakes
- Mayqueen Pacers – driving to Mayqueen
- Use the Shuttle system from Start/Finish to retrieve your car from Mayqueen
- Shuttle running to Mayqueen from Start/Finish for athlete and pacer retrieval from 6:00am – 9:00am or last human need.
PACERS DO’S
- All pacers must be wearing a bib at all times while on course.
- Pacers are allowed starting at mile 61.8 – Twin Lakes Aid Station inbound.
- You may have as many pacers as you wish, although only one pacer at a time (until mile 99).
- A pacer must fill out a waiver prior to being on course. The waiver can be filled out at one of the official checkpoints above or you may print one here. The waiver must be turned in at an aid station to receive your pacer bib.
- Pacers may act as burros, to carry food and equipment for their runner.
PACER DONT’S
- Pacers are not allowed to push, pull, carry or tow the runner.
- Any special pacing situations or requests (ie blind athletes) must be pre-approved by race management.
- Do not pace using a vehicle or bicycle.
- Do not take aid from vehicles.
- Do not camp overnight.
Parking and overall congestion in Leadville will continue to be a crucial topic for everyone this season and for our presence in Leadville moving forward. We know that with your help we can be great stewards of this community.
All athletes will be required to park at the Rodeo Grounds/Community Fields, Intermediate School, or High School Parking lot and take a shuttle (or run, walk, bike) to the start line. The shuttle locations are under 1 mile from the race start and will run efficiently and quickly to get you to where you need to be!
Shuttles will move crews safely along the course and reduce parking congestion at crew locations.
Please remember — No racers are allowed to continue past a cut-off point.
Shuttle Info:
Parking & Shuttle Plan
Parking in Leadville is tight. To keep things running smoothly and be good neighbors, all athletes must park at:
- Rodeo Grounds / Community Fields
- Lake County Intermediate School
- Lake County High School
From there, take a shuttle (or run, walk, bike) to the start line. All parking areas are less than 1 mile from the start. Shuttles will be quick and efficient.
Shuttles will also help crews move along the course safely and reduce congestion at crew spots.
Note: Racers may not continue past official cut-off points.
Shuttle Schedule
Start/Finish Line Shuttles
From Community Fields, High School, and Intermediate School → Start/Finish
- Race morning: 3:00 AM – 4:30 AM
- Post-race: Saturday 10:00 PM – Sunday 10:30 AM
Crew Shuttle
From Outward Bound → Twin Lakes Village
- 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (or until all crews/athletes are back at Outward Bound)
Winfield Shuttles – Athletes Only
From Winfield → Twin Lakes Village
- Will take runners from Winfield → Twin Lakes
- No shuttles from Winfield directly back to Leadville
- Once past Granite on the ride back, cell service returns so you can call your crew to meet you in Twin Lakes.
In the interest of keeping all athletes as safe and warm as possible, we will run these shuttles to and from Winfield and Twin Lakes only, and not back to Leadville. Please call your awesome humans to meet you in Twin Lakes. You WILL have cell service once you are back past Granite on the shuttle to Twin Lakes – so you can make arrangements at that point.
Awards Schedule
The awards ceremony will take place on Sunday at the Lake County High School Football Field.
- Belt buckles will be distributed directly in the finish chute at the end of your race!
- All finisher hoodies will be custom printed and shipped directly to your door.
- Racers must complete the event in under 30 hours to be considered an official finisher and receive their hoodie and beltbuckle.
Sunday
- 12:00pm Awards Ceremony
- Location: Lake County High School Football field – outdoor venue
- All awards will be presented at this time and must be picked up in person.
- Awards will not be given to others.
AWARDS
- 1000 mile buckles
- 2000 mile buckles
- 11 year jackets
- Last Ass Over the Pass (last official finisher)
- Age Group Awards (3 deep per category)
- 18-19 Men / Women
- 20-29 Men / Women
- 30-39 Men / Women
- 40-49 Men / Women
- 50-59 Men / Women
- 60-69 Men / Women
- 70+ Men / Women
- Non-binary Open
- Overall Male
- Overall Female
- Para Male
- Para Female
Age group awards will be based on the age an athlete will be on RACE DAY.
Overall male and female athletes will be removed from age group awards.
Note: If you cannot pick up your award, we will mail it to you for a small fee. After October 31st, buckles and awards will no longer be able to be shipped. Awards shipping can be purchased here.
DROP BAG DROP OFF
- Friday, 8/15/25: 11:00am – 5:00pm.
- 316 Harrison Ave, Leadville Race Series Retail Store
There are 5 locations on course that you can send drop bags:
- Mayqueen
- Outward Bound
- Half Pipe
- Twin Lakes
- Winfield
Remember that other than Winfield, you will pass through each aid station twice. Pro tip: send 2 bags together – one to be used for inbound and outbound.
DROP BAG GUIDELINES
- DROP BAGS MUST BE CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS
- Clearly label bags in large letters with the following info:
- Bib number
- Name
- Aid station name
- Liquids – any liquids in your bag should be leak proof and in non-breakable containers
DROP BAG RETURN
- Sunday: ~8:00am – 5:00pm
- Location: Leadville Race Series Retail Store, 316 Harrison Ave, Leadville, CO 80461
Note: Any bags not picked up by 5:00pm Sunday will be donated to local charities, we will not mail drop bags.
WEATHER
- Leadville temperatures in August vary from daytime highs in the upper 70s to nighttime lows in the upper 20s. Expect sunny mornings and afternoon showers, and be prepared for the Colorado high country’s volatile weather. During the race, it could rain, hail, and even snow. Lightning is hazardous, especially above the timberline. Hypothermia easily occurs with a combination of decreasing temperatures, wind and precipitation. It can result in confusion, and this can be deadly.
- No matter the weather, DO NOT attempt the round trip to Hope Pass without adequate warm and protective clothing. Remember, the summit is over 12,000′.
- See our complete LT100 Run Packing List here.
