Updated July 16, 2024 --
The 2025 event date is not confirmed -- The Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half 2025 is arguably the nation's toughest and highest-altitude marathon. The route takes trail runners through the historic mining district’s challenging trails to the highest point of any Leadville Race Series event: Mosquito Pass (13,185 feet). As you take on the toughest trails and thinnest air in all of endurance racing, you’ll need all the grit, guts, and determination you can muster.
The Leadville Trail Marathon and Half Marathon are among multiple prestigious trail running events held annually in Leadville, Colorado, known for its challenging terrain and high altitude. These races are part of the Leadville Race Series, which includes iconic endurance events such as the Leadville Trail 100 Run and the Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race. This event is part of the Leadville Trail Qualifier Series and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best Trail Running events in the Rockies.
Event & Course Info
The Leadville Trail Marathon and Half Marathon attract seasoned trail runners and passionate amateurs eager to test their limits in one of the most demanding trail running environments in the United States. Here's a description of each race:
- Leadville Trail Marathon: The Leadville Trail Marathon covers approximately 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometers) through the rugged and picturesque Rocky Mountains each year. The course features a mix of single-track trails, steep ascents, technical descents, and physically and mentally challenging runners. Participants must navigate rocky paths, dense forests, and alpine meadows while tackling an elevation gain of over ~6,000 feet (1,800 meters). The race starts and finishes in downtown Leadville, taking runners on a breathtaking journey through the heart of Colorado's wilderness.
- Leadville Trail Half Marathon: The Leadville Trail Half Marathon covers approximately 13-15 miles (21-24 kilometers) and shares a significant portion of the marathon course. It provides a slightly less grueling but demanding experience for runners seeking a shorter distance or less strenuous challenge. Despite being a half marathon, participants still face significant climbs (over ~3,400 ft) and technical terrain, traversing the same awe-inspiring trails as the marathon runners.
Both races occur in mid-summer when the weather in Leadville is generally pleasant. Still, runners should be prepared for varying conditions and sudden weather changes, as the high altitude can bring about rapid shifts. Aid stations are strategically placed along the course, offering hydration, nutrition, and medical support to ensure the safety and well-being of participants.
The Leadville Trail and Half Marathon events are renowned for their supportive and enthusiastic atmosphere. Spectators and volunteers line the course, encouraging and assisting the runners. Finishing these races is a tremendous achievement that tests endurance, mental strength, and resilience, earning participants the satisfaction of conquering one of the country's most challenging trail running events.
Each Leadville Qualifying Series race provides up to 25 slots for the Leadville Trail 100 Run, based on the total number of registered runners at each qualifier event. Twenty qualifying spots will be allocated based on the top age-group performances. Five will be drawn among runners who have finished the qualifier race within the allocated cutoff time.
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 there are to enjoy in the area’s stunning mountainous landscape. It is a hiking paradise, where those looking to bag come 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 that 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 one 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 5 Run, and Leadville Trail 10K. Due to popularity and participant demand, the challenging series also invites runners to a 3-day Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp camp. Leadville Race Series has many MTB events throughout the summer and fall for those also interested in mountain biking.
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