Leadville 10K Run 2026

Leadville 10K Run 2026

Presented by Life Time Events · Updated July 2026
Trail Running
Leadville, CO
Aug 16, 2026
Solo

10K

Distance
6.2 miles
Elevation Gain
465ft
Terrain
gravel
Difficulty Index
12Approachable
Approachable Extreme
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About This Event

Nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, the Leadville 10K Run 2026, produced by Life Time Events, offers an extraordinary opportunity for trail running enthusiasts to experience the magic of the Leadville Race Series in a less intimidating event, covering the first and final sections of the iconic Leadville Trail 100 Run. The Leadville Trail 100 Run is the culminating event in the Leadville Race Series Run, a Grand Slam of Ultra-Running event, and one of the Best Trail Running Events in the Rockies. The 10k takes place the day after the infamous Leadville Trail 100 MTB and is a great way to warm up for the 100-mile run, the “Race Across the Sky,” which takes place the following weekend.

The Leadville 10K Run kicks off at 9 a.m. and traverses the same gravel roads that have become legendary in the running world. It forms a portion of the Leadville Trail 100 Run course and delivers a smaller taste of the rugged terrain, challenging elevations, and unforgiving landscapes featured on the ultramarathon course.

The course, an out-and-back route, showcases the dynamic nature of Leadville’s trails and covers the first and final 3.1 miles of the Race Across the Sky. From paved roads to dirt paths, runners will experience diverse surfaces that demand adaptability and skill. Spanning a total of 6.2 miles, the course boasts an elevation gain of 465 feet. The journey begins at 9,767 feet above sea level, and the race’s zenith reaches an impressive 10,154 feet. This elevation change adds an extra layer of challenge, testing the lungs and legs of participants. Runners should anticipate the presence of one aid station at the turnaround point, a welcome respite for refueling and rehydrating before the return journey.

After the race, awards are distributed for the top finishers in each gender and age group. The ceremony, scheduled for 11:30 a.m., celebrates personal achievements and is a testament to the strength of the trail running community.

Life Time Events

Event Organizer
View organizer Visit website

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

  1. Leadville Race Series
    • Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
    • Links:
  2. Sea Otter Classic
    • Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
    • Link: Sea Otter Classic
  3. Unbound Gravel
    • Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
    • Link: Unbound Gravel
  4. Life Time Grand Prix Series
  5. Tour of the Battenkill
    • Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
    • Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.

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