This had to be the toughest marathon I have ever done, and I have run the Pikes Peak Marathon 11 times. I think it was so hard because on the way down we keep going up and down. Eek!! It was very pretty though and the aid stations were the best.

I ran Leadville in 1999 on the old course. Spectacular scenery. The race has since been re-invented and changed to an out-and-back course. The old course was more challenging as you got to climb Mosquito Pass twice. I understand that the course re-route also unfortunately avoids the fixed rope descent over a near vertical snowfield at the 15 mile mark. That was a highlight! I'm guessing the new course probably improved average times by at least an hour. Hopefully the new RD has things better organized than what used to be. I never did see any results from the 1999 race. No spectators, but what do you expect from a trail run? Leadville is a neat area to explore!

Very well run marathon. Aid stations were excellent. Very challenging high-altitude race. Lots of rubble.