The Leadville Race Series is a renowned collection of endurance events designed to push athletes to their limits across some of the most challenging terrains in the United States. Founded in 1983 with the creation of the Leadville Trail 100 Run, the series has expanded to include several mountain biking and trail running events, each offering its unique challenge and serving as a qualifier for the iconic Leadville Trail 100 races.

MTB Events in the Leadville Race Series:

1. Leadville Trail 100 MTB
   • Description: Often referred to as “The Race Across the Sky,” this is one of the most challenging single-day mountain bike races in the world. Riders must complete a grueling 100-mile course that includes over 12,000 feet of elevation gain, with much of the race taking place above 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. This race is the pinnacle event of the Leadville Race Series MTB calendar.
   • Qualification: Entry can be gained through lottery, finishing well in qualifier events, or by purchasing a charity slot.
   • Link: Leadville Trail 100 MTB Details
2. Silver Rush 50 MTB
   • Description: This 50-mile race takes riders through the challenging and beautiful terrains of Leadville, offering significant elevation gain and technical trails. It’s an official qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, making it a crucial event for those looking to secure their spot in the main race.
   • Link: Silver Rush 50 MTB Details
3. Leadville Stage Race
   • Description: Spread over three days, this event takes participants through the Leadville Trail 100 MTB course in stages. Riders accumulate times across each stage, and the event serves as both a unique challenge and a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB.
   • Link: Leadville Stage Race Details
4. Lutsen 99er
   • Description: This race takes place on the stunning North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Participants can choose from multiple distance options, with the 99-mile course being a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. The race is known for its scenic routes and challenging climbs.
   • Link: Lutsen 99er Details
5. Tahoe Trail MTB
   • Description: Held in the scenic Sierra Nevada mountains, this race offers breathtaking views and tough climbs. The event includes a 50-mile course, which serves as a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, attracting riders from all over the country.
   • Link: Tahoe Trail MTB Details

Trail Running Events in the Leadville Race Series:

1. Leadville Trail 100 Run
   • Description: Known as the “Race Across the Sky,” this 100-mile ultra-marathon is one of the most prestigious and challenging trail runs globally. Runners traverse rugged terrain, with more than 15,000 feet of elevation gain, and must contend with high-altitude conditions that test their endurance and willpower.
   • Qualification: Entry is obtained through a lottery, qualifier events, or by completing the Leadville Trail 100 Run Camp.
   • Link: Leadville Trail 100 Run Details
2. Silver Rush 50 Run
   • Description: This 50-mile race is a high-altitude challenge that serves as a key qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 Run. The course is designed to test both speed and endurance, making it a popular preparatory race for the Leadville 100.
   • Link: Silver Rush 50 Run Details
3. Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half
   • Description: This event offers participants the option to run a full marathon or a “Heavy Half” (15.5 miles) at high altitude. The race takes runners through the historic mining district of Leadville, reaching heights of over 13,000 feet at Mosquito Pass. It’s a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 Run.
   • Link: Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half Details
4. Austin Rattler Run
   • Description: Held in the rugged terrain of Texas Hill Country, this event offers a 10-mile loop with varying terrain and serves as a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 Run. The race is part of the Leadville Race Series Run and is popular for its challenging yet scenic course.
   • Link: Austin Rattler Run Details

Qualification Pathways for Leadville Trail 100 Events:

• Lottery: Many athletes gain entry through a lottery system due to the high demand for participation.
• Qualifier Events: Performance in various Leadville Race Series events can secure a spot in the Leadville Trail 100 MTB or Run.
• Charity Slots: Some entries are available through fundraising for associated charities.
• Camp + Entry Packages: Participation in training camps coupled with event registration guarantees entry.
• Boundless Coaching Packages: These include entry as part of a comprehensive coaching plan.

The Leadville Race Series continues to be a beacon of endurance sports, offering athletes of all levels the opportunity to test their limits in some of the most demanding and beautiful landscapes in the United States.