Name: Silver Rush 50 Run 2026
Start: 2026-07-11T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-11T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Leadville, Colorado

About This Event

The Silver Rush 50 Run covers 50 miles and 7,942 feet of elevation gain through Colorado’s high Rocky Mountain mining district, starting at 10,200 feet and cresting above 12,000 feet four times. The course follows primarily dirt roads past historic silver and gold mines, creating a unique blend of endurance challenge and mining heritage.

This race serves dual purposes within the Leadville ecosystem: it’s both a qualifier for the prestigious Leadville Trail 100 Run and an ideal preparation race for already-qualified LT100 participants. The high-altitude training aspect cannot be overstated—spending a day above 10,000 feet provides invaluable acclimatization for mountain runners.

Participants have 14 hours to complete the course, with cutoff times enforced at seven aid stations. The event maintains the serious, no-nonsense atmosphere typical of Leadville races while fostering the tight-knit community feel that mountain runners cherish. Post-race awards recognize the top three finishers across overall men’s, women’s, and non-binary categories, plus seven age groups.

Qualifying slots for the LT100 Run are distributed at the awards ceremony, and winners must be present to claim their spots—a tradition that keeps the entire field engaged until the final finisher crosses the line.

For those seeking a shorter challenge, the Silver Rush 15-Mile Run follows the same course with separate recognition at the awards ceremony. The event regularly sells out due to its reputation and strategic position in the Leadville Race Series calendar.

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

Leadville Race Series
- Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
- Links:
  - Leadville Trail 100 MTB
  - Leadville Trail 100 Run
Sea Otter Classic
- Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Link: Sea Otter Classic
Unbound Gravel
- Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
- Link: Unbound Gravel
Life Time Grand Prix Series
- Description: This series features six of the most prestigious off-road cycling events, combining both mountain biking and gravel disciplines. The series includes events like the Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Classic, and the Chequamegon MTB Festival. The Grand Prix attracts elite cyclists competing for one of the largest prize purses in U.S. cycling.
- Link: Life Time Grand Prix Series
Tour of the Battenkill
- Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
- Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.