A mountain bike race that needs no introduction, the race of all races…the Leadville Trail 100 MTB 2026. One hundred miles and 12,000+ feet of elevation gain at high-altitude, extreme terrain of the Colorado Rockies makes it one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in Colorado and the Rockies year after year. This event was created for the most determined athletes – with peak elevations reaching 12,600 feet, you’ll be challenged to catch your breath while the views try to take it away. Leadville Trail 100 MTB 2026 is the culmination of the famed Leadville Race Series, produced by Life Time Events, an organization focused on producing premier off-road Gravel, Mountain, and Trail running events in spectacular locations across the US.

The Leadville Trail 100 MTB’s iconic sister event, the Leadville Trail 100 Run, takes place the following weekend. Its shorter training event, Leadville Trail 10k takes place the day after the MTB event.

The inspiration for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB came back in 1994 when a group of 150 riders decided to take on a similar challenge to the Leadville Trail 100 Run but on two wheels. The iconic running event’s origins go back to 1983 when community champions were determined to boost the local economy and celebrate the town’s mining heritage after the closure of the Climax Molybdenum Mine. This is where the idea of a grueling ultramarathon trail race was born to showcase the tenacity and indomitable spirit of the Leadville community. Riders and runners alike must confront high-altitude challenges, extreme weather conditions, and technical trails, making it a true test of physical and mental endurance.

Over the years, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB has gained immense popularity, attracting elite athletes, amateur riders, and mountain biking enthusiasts from around the globe. Finishing the Leadville 100 is considered a remarkable achievement, earning riders a coveted belt buckle as a badge of honor. Registration is lottery-based or won through certain finishing requirements of any qualifying Leadville Race Series events.

The epic Leadville Trail 100 MTB is a 100+ mile out-and-back course that tests riders’ physical and mental endurance to the limit. The race starts and finishes in Leadville. Riders will have to conquer a staggering elevation gain of over 12,000 feet, reaching a low point of 9,200 feet at Twin Lakes and a high point of 12,496 feet at the formidable Columbine Mine.

The race is divided into waves to reduce congestion and create a safer environment. The first wave sets off at 6:30 a.m., offering an ample 12-hour window for participants to complete the course and earn the coveted “Small Buckle.” For those seeking a more ambitious goal, there is a 9-hour cutoff time (3:30 p.m.—3:50 p.m.) to claim the prestigious “Big Buckle.”

The majority of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course consists of rough forest service roads and high alpine two-tracks, keeping riders on their toes as they navigate this challenging terrain. To add an extra element of excitement, sections of singletrack demand technical skill and focus.

Several well-stocked aid stations will be staffed by rockstar volunteers and staff who go the extra mile to ensure riders have everything they need to stay fueled and hydrated. Friends, family, and supporters looking to cheer on their favorite riders can visit designated spectating locations including Pipeline Aid Station, Twin Lakes Aid Station, and Twin Lakes “Alternate” Aid Station.

The Leadville Trail 100 MTB is more than just a mountain bike race; it celebrates endurance, camaraderie, and pushing one’s limits. As the sun sets over the Colorado Rockies, participants and spectators alike gather at the Post-Race Finish Festival from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm to honor the achievements of the riders and bask in the euphoria of this extraordinary event.