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:
2026 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 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.
2026 photos coming soon
FRIDAY
- 10:00am | Mandatory Athlete Meeting
- Location: Lake County High School Football Field
- 11:00am – 5:00pm | Packet Pickup & Race Across The Sky 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: Leadville Race Series Retail Store – 316 Harrison Ave
- Label bags with your name, bib number, and desired aid station in clear, large letters
- Clear plastic bags only
- Drop Bag Return
- ~8:00am Sunday
- Location: Leadville Race Series Retail Store – 316 Harrison Ave
- 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 (outbound)
- 10:00am – Outward Bound (outbound)
- 11:30am – Half Pipe (outbound)
- 1:30pm – Twin Lakes Village (outbound)
- 4:00pm – Hope Pass (outbound)
- 6:00pm – Winfield (turnaround)
- 10:15pm – Twin Lakes Village (inbound)
SUNDAY
- Sunday Cutoff Times:
- 1:15am – Half Pipe (inbound)
- 3:00am – Outward Bound (inbound)
- 5:00am – Big Buckle Cutoff
- Runners who finish in under 25hrs will receive the big buckle
- 6:30am – Mayqueen (inbound)
- 10:00am – Final Cutoff (full course)
- Runners who finish in under 30hrs will receive the ‘small’ buckle
- 12:00pm | Awards Ceremony
- Location: Lake County High School Football Field
- Awards will not be given to others and will not be distributed before the awards ceremony
- If you aren’t able to attend the awards ceremony, you may order awards shipping from the Leadville Race Series Store
- Belt buckles will be distributed in the finish chute & finisher jackets will be printed and mailed to 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
In the words of Ken Chlouber, “It’s all about the buckle!“
Our belt buckle tradition is a nod to rodeo history, where buckles are used to celebrate memorable performances. As one of the toughest endurance challenges on the planet, all official finishers of the Leadville Trail 100 receive a shiny, silver and gold belt buckle as proof of their impressive accomplishment.
To earn one of the coveted belt buckles, you must finish the race in the following times:
- Big Buckle: 25 hours*
- Small Buckle: 30 hours*
*Chip time vs gun time:
- Chip Time
- Used for belt buckles & official results
- Your chip time starts when you cross the starting line, and ends when you cross the finish line, accounting for your exact time elapsed on the course
- Gun Time
- Used for course cutoffs
- Your gun time starts at 4:00am with the race start (regardless of when you actually cross the starting line), and ends when you cross the finish line
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
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 location. You must hike or bike to reach the course, obtain pacer bibs, and meet your runner at this location.
Pacer Transportation
- Twin Lakes Village
- No driving access, please use shuttle system from Outward Bound
- Mayqueen
- Driving access allowed starting at 5:00pm Saturday, parking pass required
- Shuttles will run from the finish line to Mayqueen from 6:00am onwards, allowing pacers to retrieve their cars
Pacer Rules:
Pacers must abide by the following pacer-specific rules, as well as all official race rules and instructions from event staff, race officials, volunteers, or law enforcement. Failure to abide is grounds for disqualification of the runner.
- Pacers must be wearing a pacer bib at all times while on course
- Pacers are allowed starting at mile 61.8, Twin Lakes Village inbound
- Throughout the race, you may use as many pacers as you wish, but only one at a time (until mile 99)
- All pacers must pacer must fill out a waiver prior to entering the course. The waiver can be filled out at one of the official checkpoints listed above, or you may print one here. The waiver must be turned in at a checkpoint to receive your pacer bib
- Pacers may act as burros, to carry food and equipment for their runner
- Pacers may not push, pull, carry, or tow their runner
- Pacers with unique situations that require special accommodations (ie: blind runner) must be pre-approved by race officials
- Pacers may not use vehicles of any form or accept aid outside of official locations.
Parking and congestion in Leadville will continue to be a crucial consideration for our events moving forward. Help us be great stewards of this community by using our shuttle system and following all parking instructions!
Athlete Parking & Shuttles:
- Start/Finish Parking & Shuttles:
- Athletes must park at one of the following locations, then take a shuttle or walk to the race start
- Rodeo Grounds / Community Fields
- Lake County Intermediate School
- Lake County High School
- Shuttle Schedule:
- Race morning: Saturday 3:00am – 4:30am
- Post-race: Saturday 10:00pm – Sunday 10:30am
- Athletes must park at one of the following locations, then take a shuttle or walk to the race start
- Winfield:
- Athletes who are cut off at Winfield will be shuttled back to Twin Lakes Village
- Upon reaching Granite, athletes will have cell service to coordinate with their crew for pickup at Twin Lakes.
Crew/Pacer Parking & Shuttles:
- Crew Parking & Shuttles:
- See crew info and pacer info tabs for complete parking details.
- Shuttles will run from Outward Bound to Twin Lakes Village and back in a constant loop, allowing crews to meet their athletes at each location.
- 6:00am – 11:00pm (or until all crews are returned to Outward Bound)
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: 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.
