Last Updated July 12, 2024 --
The 2025 event date is not confirmed -- Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp is a perfect way to kick off the summer and practice for all trail running events in Leadville Race Series. This is truly an experience that is open to all runners and offers an introduction to the Leadville Trail 100 Run. It is a long weekend of getting to know your fellow racers, getting an education from seasoned runners, intense training with expert runners, and celebrating the amazing scenery of the Rocky Mountains with great food and trails. Strambecco rates the event as one of the Best Trail Running Race Events in the Rockies and the Best Trail Running Race Events in Colorado.
Event & Course Info
Day One introduces you to experienced Camp Guides for all your questions and allows time to buy supplies at the local Leadville Race Series Retail Store, the meeting place for each day's activities. That evening there will be a ~12-mile night run with ~970′ ascent, 780′ descent starting in Mayqueen; a shuttle is provided to drive all participants to the starting line.
Day Two includes breakfast before a ~25-mile run with ~3200′ ascent and ~3900′ descent that takes up most of the day before dinner at Freight and a discussion panel with eight experts, including Cat Bradley and Danny Bundrock. 25.4 Miles
Day Three starts with breakfast again before the final run of camp, a ~20-mile course with ~6700′ ascent, and ~6700′ descent from Willis Gulch Trailhead to Winfield and back. Lunch is a BBQ at Willis Guild Trailhead catered by Silver Dollar Saloon. The weekend wraps up with dinner again at Freight with the opportunity to talk with guides and experts. There is a limitation to camp, and it does not have a waitlist, so register ASAP!
Whether you’re a “Race Across the Sky” first-timer or an old hand, Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp is an informative look at the country’s most scenic and challenging ultra-run course. Group training runs — both day and night — familiarize you with key sections of the course, and discussion sessions with race veterans will help you get the most out of your race experience. It is also a long weekend of good food, good running, and good friends. The schedule may have to be adjusted due to the snowpack.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
A visit to Leadville, CO, is an opportunity to explore history. Leadville has six local museums, and the Museum Passport is available to share among friends and family to tour the historic attractions any time during race season, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Hiking, cycling, and water sports at Twin Lakes are popular outdoor activities to enjoy in the area while in town, or if you extend your weekend, drive over the beautiful Independence Pass to enjoy a visit to Aspen.
Favorite restaurants among locals and tourists in Leadville are Treeline Kitchen, the Golden Burro, and High Mountain Pies. For lodging, participants can stay at area hotels, bed & breakfasts, home rentals, cabins, and campgrounds. Also, remember that the gorgeous Copper Mountain Resort is close by and open for summer starting in early June, and easy camping is available at Colorado Mountain College.
Outdoor-loving friends and family who are supporting their athletes in Leadville will be impressed with the number of activities they can enjoy in the area’s stunning mountainous landscape. It is a hiking paradise, where those looking to bag some iconic peaks can consider tackling Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, two “Fourteeners” (peaks above 14,000 feet) offer not only breathtaking panoramic views but also a sense of accomplishment as you conquer their summits.
Mountain bikers who aren’t quite up for the 100 mile race, will enjoy Leadville’s scenic cross-country paths and heart-pounding downhill runs, such as the Mineral Belt Trail, a 12.6-mile loop that winds through historic mining sites and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. For those seeking more adrenaline, the nearby Copper Mountain Bike Park provides gravity-fed trails, jumps, and features for an exhilarating downhill experience.
Finally, Leadville’s pristine lakes, rivers, and streams make it a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. With its elevation and abundant natural water sources, the area offers unique opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Turquoise Lake, located just outside of Leadville, is a popular spot for fishing, known for its rainbow, brown, and lake trout. The Arkansas River, renowned for its gold-medal fishing waters, is also within reach, offering the chance to catch trout amidst stunning alpine scenery. The summer months provide ideal conditions for fly fishing, with clear waters and ample insect hatches.
Related Events
The Leadville Race Series started in 1983 with just a single race through the Rocky Mountains. Produced by Life Time Events, it has expanded in the United States with multiple running and biking events. For trail running, the series includes the following summer events presented by La Sportiva; Leadville Trail 100 Run, Austin Rattler Run, Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half, Silver Rush 50 Run, and Leadville Trail 10K. Leadville Race Series has many MTB events throughout the summer and fall for those also interested in mountain biking.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
