Updated March 31, 2024
The Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half 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 prestigious trail running events held annually in Leadville, Colorado, known for their 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.
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. 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 13.1 miles (21.1 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 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.
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.
