The Leadville Trail 100 on August 22, 2026 is one of the most iconic 100-mile races in the world. Here is what the altitude, the course, and the cutoffs actually demand.
The Leadville Trail 100 Run on August 22, 2026 covers 100 miles through the Colorado Rockies at altitudes between 9,200 and 12,600 feet. Known as the "Race Across the Sky," Leadville is one of the four original 100-mile trail races and remains one of the most coveted finishes in ultrarunning.
Leadville's lowest point is higher than the summit of most East Coast mountains. At 10,000+ feet, the air has about 30% less oxygen than at sea level. This means your heart rate will be higher at every pace, your recovery between efforts will be slower, and you will fatigue faster than at lower altitudes.
If you live below 5,000 feet, altitude is the single biggest factor in your race. No amount of fitness compensates for not being acclimated.
The course is an out-and-back from the town of Leadville to the turnaround at Winfield (mile 50) and back.
Leadville to May Queen (mile 13.5): A flat, runnable section around Turquoise Lake. Most runners start conservatively here — it is tempting to run fast while the terrain is easy, but banking time at altitude backfires.
May Queen to Twin Lakes (mile 40): The course climbs over Sugarloaf Pass and descends to the Twin Lakes aid station. Your crew can access you at Twin Lakes — this is a critical stop for nutrition and gear changes. The climb over Hope Pass starts here.
Hope Pass (miles 40-50-60): This is the defining feature of Leadville. Hope Pass rises to approximately 12,600 feet — the highest point on the course. You cross it twice: once on the way to Winfield and once on the way back. The climb is relentless — 3,400 feet of gain in about 5.5 miles. Most runners power-hike the entire ascent. The descent to Winfield is steep and rocky.
Winfield turnaround (mile 50): The halfway point. You have 14 hours to reach Winfield to stay in the race. Many runners take 10-20 minutes here to eat, change socks, refill bottles, and mentally reset for the return trip. The hardest part of the race is ahead — you must climb back over Hope Pass.
The return (miles 50-100): Everything in reverse, but on tired legs and in the dark. The second crossing of Hope Pass, typically at night, is where many runners drop. The descent from Hope Pass back to Twin Lakes requires careful footing on rocky switchbacks with only a headlamp. The final 13 miles around Turquoise Lake to the finish in Leadville should be runnable — but at mile 87, nothing feels runnable.
The sub-25-hour finishers receive the coveted large belt buckle. Sub-30 finishers receive the standard buckle. Both are lifetime achievements.
Crew access is available at major aid stations. Pacers are allowed from Twin Lakes outbound (mile 60). A good pacer who knows the course and can keep you moving through the night is worth minutes per mile. Choose someone who has run ultras and knows when to push you and when to be patient.
Leadville demands three things: altitude fitness, climbing ability, and the mental toughness to run all night on a course you have already seen in daylight. Train with:
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