# Race Overview
The Leadville Trail 100 Mile endurance Run is America’s most challenging high-altitude ultramarathon, taking place entirely above 9,200 feet in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Established in 1983 by mining engineer Ken Chlouber, this legendary race was created to boost the economic spirits of the former mining town of Leadville after the molybdenum mine closure devastated the local economy.
**Key Race Details:**
– Distance: 100 miles (160.9 km)
– Start/Finish: Leadville, Colorado (elevation 10,152 feet)
– Highest Point: Hope Pass (elevation 12,620 feet)
– Total Elevation Gain: ~15,600 feet
– Total Elevation Loss: ~15,600 feet
– Course Record (Men): 15:42:59 by Matt Carpenter (2005)
– Course Record (Women): 18:06:24 by Ann Trason (1994)
– Time Limit: 30 hours
– Terrain: Rocky mountain trails, mining roads, single track
– Race Date: Third weekend in August (typically Saturday)
The race is famous for its brutal twin climbs over 12,620-foot Hope Pass (miles 45 and 55) and Ken Chlouber’s inspiring motto “you’re better than you think you are, and you can do more than you imagine.” The entire course runs above 9,200 feet, creating unique challenges from altitude sickness, oxygen deprivation, and unpredictable mountain weather ranging from snow to intense UV exposure.
The race attracts elite athletes and everyday runners alike, all seeking to earn the coveted silver belt buckle awarded to sub-25 hour finishers. Leadville’s combination of extreme altitude, challenging terrain, and inspiring community atmosphere has made it one of America’s most iconic and respected ultramarathons.
# How to Qualify & Enter
The Leadville Trail 100 operates on a qualification and lottery system, though it’s generally more accessible than Western States with higher acceptance rates.
## Qualification Requirements
**Qualifying Races:** Runners must complete a qualifying ultramarathon within the qualification period:
– Any 50-mile trail race in under 13 hours
– Any 100K trail race in under 16 hours
– Any 100-mile trail race (any finish time)
– Previous Leadville 100 finish (automatic qualifying)
– Other designated ultramarathons at race director’s discretion
– Military personnel receive special consideration
**Qualification Period:** Runs from January 1st (year before race) through June 30th (race year)
## Entry Process & Timeline
**Application Period:** Opens January 1st, closes when field is filled (typically by April)
**Key Dates:**
– January 1: Entry applications open
– Rolling admissions until field capacity reached
– Typically fills by April 1st
– Entry fee: $485 (non-refundable after May 1st)
– Final instructions sent in July
– Mandatory pre-race briefing Friday before race
## Entry System
**First-Come, First-Served Basis:**
– No lottery system like Western States
– Applications processed in order received
– Faster qualifying times receive priority consideration
– Previous Leadville finishers get early access window
– Military personnel receive reserved spots
**Priority Categories:**
– Previous Leadville 100 finishers (first 48 hours)
– Active military personnel
– Leadville residents
– Colorado residents (slight preference)
– International runners welcome
## Waitlist Information
**Waitlist Process:**
– Maintained throughout spring months
– Regular notifications as spots become available
– Higher priority for faster qualifying times
– Medical deferrals available for injury/pregnancy
– Transfers allowed under exceptional circumstances
**Important Notes:**
– Medical clearance required for all runners
– Altitude acclimatization strongly recommended
– Crew chief training attendance encouraged
– Weather gear requirements based on conditions
# Course Layout
The Leadville Trail 100 follows a challenging 50-mile out-and-back route through Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, with runners covering the same course twice for the full 100 miles.
## Detailed Course Map Description
**Miles 0-12.5 (Start to May Queen):**
– Start: Leadville (10,152 ft) → Turquoise Lake → May Queen (10,000 ft)
– Terrain: Dirt roads and single track around pristine alpine lake
– Key challenges: Early morning cold, gradual climbing
– Notable features: Stunning lake views, potential wildlife sightings
**Miles 12.5-40 (May Queen to Outward Bound):**
– May Queen → Fish Hatchery (9,200 ft) → Half Pipe (9,760 ft)
– Terrain: Mix of dirt roads, jeep trails, and technical single track
– Key challenges: Rolling hills, rocky sections, stream crossings
– Notable features: Historic mining country, dense aspen groves
**Miles 40-50 (Outward Bound to Winfield):**
– Outward Bound (10,120 ft) → Hope Pass (12,620 ft) → Winfield (10,200 ft)
– Terrain: Steep mountain trail climbing over Continental Divide
– Key challenges: 2,500 ft climb to Hope Pass, altitude exposure
– Notable features: Above treeline terrain, spectacular mountain views
**Miles 50-60 (Winfield Turnaround):**
– Same route back: Winfield → Hope Pass → Outward Bound
– Terrain: Identical to outbound, different perspective
– Key challenges: Second Hope Pass climb when fatigued
– Notable features: Meeting other runners, crew access at Winfield
**Miles 60-87.5 (Return Journey):**
– Outward Bound → Half Pipe → Fish Hatchery → May Queen
– Terrain: Retracing outbound route
– Key challenges: Mental challenge of familiar terrain
– Notable features: Night running typically begins in this section
**Miles 87.5-100 (Final Push):**
– May Queen → Turquoise Lake → Leadville Finish (10,152 ft)
– Terrain: Final roads and trails back to town
– Key challenges: Exhaustion, final climbs, time pressure
– Notable features: Approach to finish line, community support
## Elevation Profile
**Major Climbs:**
1. **Hope Pass Ascent 1** (Miles 43-45): 2,500 ft gain to 12,620 ft
2. **Hope Pass Ascent 2** (Miles 55-57): 2,500 ft gain to 12,620 ft
3. **Various rolling climbs**: 500-800 ft gains throughout
**Elevation Statistics:**
– Start/Finish Elevation: 10,152 feet
– Highest Point: Hope Pass (12,620 feet)
– Lowest Point: Fish Hatchery (9,200 feet)
– Total Elevation Gain: ~15,600 feet
– Total Elevation Loss: ~15,600 feet
– Average Elevation: 10,300+ feet throughout entire race
**Terrain Breakdown:**
– 40% Dirt roads and jeep tracks
– 35% Single track mountain trails
– 15% Rocky technical sections
– 10% Paved roads (minimal)
# Field Size
The Leadville Trail 100 maintains a selective but larger field than Western States, balancing accessibility with logistical and safety considerations in the high-altitude environment.
## Entry Caps & Numbers
**Total Field Size:** 750 runners maximum
– Initial entries: ~650 spots
– Waitlist additions: ~100 spots
– More accessible than Western States but still competitive
– No walk-up or same-day entries allowed
**Historical Field Statistics:**
– Applications received annually: 2,000-2,500
– Acceptance rate: ~30% (first-come, first-served)
– Combined acceptance rate: ~35% (including waitlist)
– International runners: 20-25% of field
– Female participation: 28-32% of field
– Average age: 44 years
– Age range: 18-80+ years
## Field Composition
**Experience Levels:**
– First-time Leadville runners: ~70%
– Previous finishers: ~20%
– Multiple finishers (3+): ~10%
– Elite/sponsored athletes: ~3%
**Geographic Distribution:**
– Colorado residents: ~50%
– Western US states: ~25%
– Eastern US states: ~15%
– International runners: ~10%
– Most represented countries: Canada, UK, Mexico, Australia
**Qualifying Race Breakdown:**
– 50-mile races: ~40%
– 100K races: ~25%
– 100-mile races: ~25%
– Previous Leadville finish: ~8%
– Other/military: ~2%
## Safety & Logistics
**Entry Cap Rationale:**
– High-altitude safety considerations
– Medical support capacity at elevation
– Aid station logistics in remote locations
– Search and rescue capabilities
– Environmental impact on fragile alpine ecosystem
– Parking and transportation limitations
**Field Management:**
– Mandatory altitude acclimatization recommendations
– Medical screening and health questionnaires
– Crew training and education programs
– Real-time tracking and communication systems
– Emergency evacuation protocols
– Weather monitoring and safety protocols
**Unique Considerations:**
– Altitude sickness susceptibility screening
– Colorado residency slight preference due to altitude adaptation
– Military personnel special allocation
– Emphasis on community and inspirational atmosphere
– Higher finish rates than most 100-mile races (~60%)
The larger field size compared to Western States reflects Leadville’s mission as an inspirational community event while still maintaining the safety and logistical standards required for a high-altitude mountain ultramarathon.
# Rules
Leadville Trail 100 has specific rules designed for high-altitude safety, environmental protection, and maintaining the race’s community spirit.
## Crew Rules
**Crew Access Points:** Crews can access runners at designated aid stations only
– May Queen (Mile 12.5 & 87.5)
– Fish Hatchery (Mile 16.5 & 83.5)
– Half Pipe (Mile 20.5 & 79.5)
– Twin Lakes (Mile 40 & 60)
– Winfield (Mile 50) – Turnaround only
**Crew Responsibilities:**
– Maximum 5 crew members per runner
– Crew chief training strongly encouraged
– Must follow Leave No Trace principles
– Cannot pace or run with runner
– Cannot provide aid outside designated areas
– Responsible for runner’s drop bags and supplies
– Must respect private property and local residents
## Pacer Rules
**Pacer Start Point:** Twin Lakes Outbound (Mile 40) only
– One pacer allowed per runner
– Pacer must be registered with race
– No switching pacers during race
– Pacer cannot carry runner’s mandatory gear
– Pacer cannot physically assist runner
– Pacer runs same route: Twin Lakes → Winfield → Twin Lakes
**Pacer Requirements:**
– Must be 18+ years old
– Sign waiver and emergency contact information
– Carry own nutrition and safety gear
– Follow all race rules and course markings
– Understand high-altitude risks and symptoms
## Mandatory Gear
**Required Equipment (all runners must carry):**
– Headlamp with fresh batteries
– Backup light source
– Emergency whistle
– Emergency blanket (space blanket)
– Personal hydration system (minimum 20 oz)
– Personal first aid supplies
– Warm layer (jacket/fleece)
– Rain protection if weather conditions warrant
**Additional High-Altitude Gear Recommendations:**
– Electrolyte replacement supplements
– Energy food/gels suitable for altitude
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Warm gloves and hat
– Altitude sickness medications (consult physician)
– GPS watch or tracking device
## Time Cutoffs
**Aid Station Cutoffs (mandatory):**
– May Queen Outbound (Mile 12.5): 9:30 AM (4.5 hours)
– Fish Hatchery (Mile 16.5): 10:30 AM (5.5 hours)
– Half Pipe (Mile 20.5): 11:30 AM (6.5 hours)
– Twin Lakes Outbound (Mile 40): 2:00 PM (9 hours)
– Winfield (Mile 50): 6:00 PM (13 hours)
– Twin Lakes Inbound (Mile 60): 8:30 PM (15.5 hours)
– Half Pipe Return (Mile 79.5): 12:00 AM (19 hours)
– May Queen Return (Mile 87.5): 2:00 AM (21 hours)
– Final Finish: 10:00 AM Sunday (30 hours)
## Additional Race Rules
**High-Altitude Safety Regulations:**
– Medical examinations at key aid stations
– Altitude sickness monitoring and education
– Weather gear requirements based on conditions
– Mandatory course markings and trail etiquette
– No outside assistance except at crew-accessible aid stations
**Environmental Rules:**
– Strict Leave No Trace principles
– Pack out all trash and food waste
– Stay on designated trails (critical for alpine environment)
– No picking of plants or disturbing wildlife
– Respect wilderness and private property boundaries
– Quiet hours in residential areas
**Disqualification Reasons:**
– Missing mandatory gear checks
– Exceeding time cutoffs
– Receiving unauthorized assistance
– Unsporting conduct or rule violations
– Medical withdrawal by race personnel
– Environmental violations or littering
– Leaving the designated course
**Awards & Recognition:**
– Silver belt buckle: Sub-25 hour finish
– Bronze belt buckle: 25-30 hour finish
– Special recognition for military personnel
– Age group awards for top finishers
– “Spirit of Leadville” awards for inspirational performances
# Aid Stations
The Leadville Trail 100 features 11 strategically placed aid stations providing comprehensive support throughout the challenging 50-mile out-and-back course.
## Complete Aid Station List
**Outbound Miles 0-50:**
1. **May Queen** (Mile 12.5) – Full aid, crew access
2. **Fish Hatchery** (Mile 16.5) – Full aid, crew access
3. **Half Pipe** (Mile 20.5) – Full aid, crew access, medical
4. **Treeline** (Mile 24) – Water and basic aid
5. **Twin Lakes** (Mile 40) – Major aid, crew access, pacer pickup
6. **Winfield** (Mile 50) – Turnaround, major aid, crew access
**Inbound Miles 50-100:**
7. **Twin Lakes** (Mile 60) – Major aid, crew access, pacer continues
8. **Treeline** (Mile 76) – Water and basic aid
9. **Half Pipe** (Mile 79.5) – Full aid, crew access, medical
10. **Fish Hatchery** (Mile 83.5) – Full aid, crew access
11. **May Queen** (Mile 87.5) – Full aid, crew access
12. **Finish Line** (Mile 100) – Leadville
## Aid Station Support Details
**Full Aid Stations Provide:**
– Water and electrolyte drinks (Gatorade, Tailwind)
– Ice and ice water
– Electrolyte tablets and supplements
– High-altitude appropriate foods: bananas, oranges, watermelon
– Salty snacks: chips, pretzels, crackers, pickles
– Sweet options: cookies, candy, cola, Mountain Dew
– Hot soup (chicken broth, ramen) at major stations
– Medical supplies and trained personnel
– Scale for weight monitoring
– Chairs and rest areas with blankets
**Basic Aid/Water Stations:**
– Fresh drinking water
– Ice (when available)
– Basic electrolyte replacement
– Limited snacks
– Emergency communication
**Major Aid Stations (Twin Lakes, Winfield, Half Pipe):**
– Complete medical screening
– Body weight monitoring for altitude effects
– Drop bag pickup/organization
– Crew coordination areas
– Extended food options including hot meals
– Cot/sleeping areas if needed
– Real-time tracking updates
– Emergency evacuation access via vehicle
## Volunteer Support
**Staffing:**
– Over 750 volunteers across all stations
– Medical professionals at key points
– Ham radio operators for communication
– Course marshals and safety personnel
– Experienced ultrarunning volunteers
– Local community volunteers
**Special Features:**
– **Twin Lakes:** Crew central, pacer coordination, extensive food spread
– **Winfield:** Turnaround celebration, community barbecue atmosphere
– **Half Pipe:** Medical checkpoint, gear checks
– **May Queen:** Final push motivation, finish line proximity
**High-Altitude Considerations:**
– Enhanced medical monitoring for altitude sickness
– Oxygen availability at key stations if needed
– Weather protection and warming areas
– Increased medical personnel due to altitude risks
– Extra blankets and warming supplies
## Drop Bag Logistics
**Drop Bag Stations:**
– Twin Lakes Outbound (Mile 40)
– Winfield (Mile 50)
– Twin Lakes Inbound (Mile 60)
**Drop Bag Services:**
– Secure storage and organization
– Crew coordination for pickup
– Contents checking at athlete request
– Missing bag replacement protocol
– Post-race bag collection service
**Special High-Altitude Services:**
– Altitude sickness assessment and monitoring
– Weather gear distribution if conditions change
– Emergency descent protocols if needed
– Enhanced communication with medical command
– Coordination with search and rescue teams
The comprehensive aid station network ensures runners receive proper nutrition, hydration, medical support, and altitude-specific care throughout their Leadville Trail 100 journey in the challenging high-altitude environment.
# Previous Winners
The Leadville Trail 100 has crowned champions since 1983, with legendary performances that showcase the ultimate test of high-altitude endurance running.
## Recent Male Winners (Last 5 Years)
**2023: Dakota Jones** – 16:28:51
– Age: 32, Boulder, Colorado
– Second Leadville victory
– Dominated the second half of the race
– Strong Hope Pass performance in both directions
**2022: Rob Krar** – 16:09:37
– Age: 45, Flagstaff, Arizona
– Third Leadville victory
– Experienced high-altitude runner
– Consistent pacing throughout challenging conditions
**2021: Matt Carpenter** – 16:41:33
– Age: 59, Colorado Springs, Colorado
– Record 12th Leadville victory
– Course record holder from 2005
– Master of high-altitude racing strategy
**2020: No Race** – COVID-19 cancellation
– Race cancelled due to pandemic
– Virtual event held instead
– First cancellation in race history
**2019: Rob Krar** – 16:14:17
– Age: 42, Flagstaff, Arizona
– Second Leadville victory
– Pulled away on second Hope Pass climb
– Excellent altitude adaptation
## Recent Female Winners (Last 5 Years)
**2023: Ruth Croft** – 18:24:02
– Age: 31, New Zealand
– First Leadville victory
– Strong international performance
– Consistent high-altitude racing
**2022: Emma Coburn** – 19:07:25
– Age: 31, Crested Butte, Colorado
– Professional steeplechaser turned ultrarunner
– Debut 100-mile performance
– Local Colorado athlete
**2021: Camille Herron** – 18:18:32
– Age: 39, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
– Multiple world record holder
– Dominant wire-to-wire performance
– Exceptional high-altitude adaptation
**2020: No Race** – COVID-19 cancellation
– Race cancelled due to pandemic
– Virtual event conducted
– No official winners declared
**2019: Clare Gallagher** – 18:23:31
– Age: 29, Boulder, Colorado
– First Leadville victory
– Local Colorado runner
– Strong mountain ultrarunning background
## Historical Context
**All-Time Course Records:**
– Men: Matt Carpenter – 15:42:59 (2005)
– Women: Ann Trason – 18:06:24 (1994)
**Most Victories:**
– Men: Matt Carpenter – 12 wins (1988-2021)
– Women: Ann Trason – 4 wins (1991-1994)
**Notable Achievements:**
– Matt Carpenter’s dominance spans over three decades
– Ann Trason’s women’s record has stood since 1994
– Growing international competition in recent years
– Increasing participation from professional track athletes
**Altitude Considerations:**
– Winners typically have extensive high-altitude experience
– Colorado residents have significant advantage
– Sea-level athletes require extensive altitude preparation
– Race times generally slower than lower altitude 100-milers
**Age of Champions:**
– Winners typically range from 28-45 years old
– Matt Carpenter’s victories into his 50s are exceptional
– Experience and altitude adaptation favor mature athletes
– High-altitude running requires years of adaptation
**Trends:**
– Growing competitiveness of women’s field
– Increasing participation from international athletes
– Professional track athletes entering ultrarunning
– Consistent high-altitude specialists dominating results
These champions represent the pinnacle of high-altitude endurance achievement, having conquered America’s most challenging high-altitude ultramarathon.
# Official Website, Entry & Contact Information
Complete information for race registration, official resources, and communication with Leadville Trail 100 race organizers.
## Official Website & Resources
**Primary Website:** www.leadvilleraceseries.com
– Complete race information and guidelines
– Historical results and statistics
– Course maps and elevation profiles
– Photo galleries and race reports
– Volunteer opportunities and information
– Training resources and altitude preparation guides
**Live Race Tracking:** www.leadvilleraceseries.com/live
– Real-time runner tracking during race weekend
– Aid station updates and split times
– Live stream coverage of key locations (Hope Pass, Winfield)
– Social media integration and updates
– Weather conditions and course status
**Course Information:**
– Interactive course map with aid station details
– Elevation profile and terrain descriptions
– GPS files and turn-by-turn directions
– Training recommendations and altitude preparation
– Weather history and preparation guidelines
## Entry & Registration
**Online Entry System:** www.leadvilleraceseries.com/entry
– Applications open January 1st annually
– Secure online registration system
– Qualifying race verification system
– Payment processing for accepted entrants
– Waitlist management and notifications
**UltraSignup Integration:** www.ultrasignup.com
– Official registration platform partner
– Results database and qualifying race verification
– Runner profile and history tracking
– Crew and pacer registration portal
– Race series points tracking
**Entry Requirements:**
– Valid qualifying ultramarathon result
– Complete application during open period
– $485 entry fee (non-refundable after May 1st)
– Medical clearance and liability waivers
– Altitude preparation recommendations acknowledgment
## Contact Information
**Race Directors:**
– Josh Colley: Race Director
– Leadville Race Series: Managing Organization
– Contact via official website contact form
**General Information:**
– Email: info@leadvilleraceseries.com
– Phone: (719) 486-2202
– Mailing Address: Leadville Race Series
P.O. Box 677, Leadville, CO 80424
**Specific Inquiries:**
– Entry Questions: entries@leadvilleraceseries.com
– Medical/Safety: medical@leadvilleraceseries.com
– Volunteers: volunteers@leadvilleraceseries.com
– Media/Press: media@leadvilleraceseries.com
– Sponsorship: sponsors@leadvilleraceseries.com
– International Runners: international@leadvilleraceseries.com
## Social Media & Communication
**Facebook:** Leadville Race Series
– Official race updates and announcements
– Community discussions and training tips
– Photo sharing and race experiences
– Live updates during race weekend
– Altitude training advice and resources
**Instagram:** @leadvilleraceseries
– Course photography and mountain scenery
– Training inspiration and motivation
– Runner spotlights and stories
– Real-time race weekend coverage
– Behind-the-scenes content
**YouTube:** Leadville Race Series
– Documentary films and race coverage
– Training advice from elite athletes
– Course preview and aid station tours
– Historical race footage and interviews
– Altitude preparation educational content
**Twitter:** @LeadvilleRace
– Real-time race updates and results
– Weather and course condition reports
– Quick announcements and news
– Community interaction and support
**Newsletter:** Monthly email updates
– Training tips and preparation advice
– Race announcements and important dates
– Featured runner stories and achievements
– Altitude preparation resources
– Subscribe via official website
## Important Dates to Remember
**Annual Calendar:**
– January 1: Entry applications open
– April 1: Typical entry deadline (when full)
– May 1: Entry fee payment final deadline
– July 1: Final race instructions sent
– Third Friday in August: Pre-race briefing
– Third Saturday in August: Race day (4:00 AM start)
**Pre-Race Events:**
– Thursday: Packet pickup opens
– Friday: Mandatory pre-race briefing
– Friday: Gear check and final preparations
– Friday: Pasta dinner and community gathering
– Saturday: 4:00 AM race start
**Additional Resources:**
**Leadville Visitor Center:**
– Phone: (719) 486-3900
– Address: 809 Harrison Ave, Leadville, CO 80424
– Local accommodations and travel information
**Altitude Preparation Resources:**
– High-altitude training recommendations
– Acclimatization protocols
– Medical consultation guidelines
– Gear recommendations for high-altitude racing
For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official website at www.leadvilleraceseries.com as policies, procedures, and contact information may change annually.