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May 5, 2024

Leadville Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Leadville Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.9

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.1

Number of comments: 29 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

S. S. from Ft. Collins, CO (7/21/2008) "tough but awesome" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Leadville Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this one in 2007 and again this year. The course is spectacular and very difficult. The organization and support are top notch. I think the prices went up quite a bit this year, but 2007 was such a screaming deal that I'm not surprised that the prices did go up. My only complaint was that I was not able to stick around for the awards ceremony, and the race officials would not give me my finisher's mug (yes you get a cool shirt, medal, mug and free dinner; awesome!) before I had to go, even though they were sitting right next to a huge pile of the mugs. Apparently I can have it mailed to be, but I'd have preferred to have gotten it right then. Fairly minor complaint - I'm still giving them 5 stars, I guess! Anyway I was slower this year than last (6:22 this year, 5:39 in 2007) for a variety of reasons, one of which was that I took my camera and took about 120 pictures during the race. I think you'll want to experience it for yourself next year; I'll probably be back for Leadville #3!
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (7/26/2007) "Great season topper!" (about: 2007) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Leadville Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 If you've run several marathons earlier in the year, consider topping the season off with this one. (I'm guessing most would not do well with this as their first marathon of the year.) Like everyone says, it's very challenging, requires a few days at altitude to acclimate and offers spectacular views. I ran this one a few years ago... but it was during a very dry year. I don't recall the spectacular wild flowers that were present this season; they were so beautiful that at times it was hard to keep running... er, make that walking on most inclines. Great aid stations... a variety of beverages, fruit, candy, and chips, which you'll need due to the longer -than-usual duration of the run. The course must be tough to mark.... The markings were much better this year, but the last time I ran it many people missed turns. (I still ran into some who missed turns this time.) How other reviewers give such high ratings for spectators is incomprehensible to me as there basically aren't any spectators except around the aid stations. Count on the spectacular scenery, other runners/walkers and an overall challenge to keep you going.
Eddie Hahn from Rancho Cucamonga, CA (7/25/2007) "Awesome Deal, Rewarding Vistas" (about: 2007) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 "SS from Fort Collins" gives a very thorough and accurate review. As a fellow participant, I concur with the views and I recommend reading his analysis. I would supplement his information slightly, to include the following: The "thunderstorm" he spoke of was actually a HAIL storm... I had already finished (an hour behind SS), but I saw other participants finishing in hail (finishers who took beyond 8 1/2 hours). Protective gear for potential inclement weather at altitude: I tied an all-weather long-sleeve tech shirt around my waist at the advice of previous participants. It worked perfect. As we transitioned zones and I got cool and hot I removed it/added it over my tank top accordingly. There's a lot to do in the area, so if you are looking for a destination event, great choice. In terms of ultra runners, I absolutely agree... the race is an ultra runner-oriented event. I stayed in a local hostel (great deal, incidentally)... all of my mates were ultra marathon runners training up for the Leadville 100-mile run or other ultra event. If you are looking for a flat, paved, urban, Boston qualifying street marathon, this isn't for you. (The winner was about 3:45 or so.) If you want an extreme challenge with scenic vistas throughout, and an awesome bang for your buck, I highly recommend you consider this event.
K. E. from Columbus, Ohio (7/12/2007) "Very challenging, very rewarding" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The uphill climb of 3000 feet is relentless, the oxygen is thin, the course is very rocky in places, and spectators are few outside of Leadville; the 13185-foot summit is cold and windy, and I loved every minute of it! Organization and support are amazing, volunteers are enthusiastic and friendly, aid-stations well-spaced and well-stocked, and the views are spectacular. I arrived 3 days prior to acclimate and felt pretty good oxygen-wise throughout. Definitely plan on at least a couple days to acclimate. Several other racers were really suffering from the altitude. Forget about PRs and previous finish times and run this as a personal challenge. I definitely plan to return.
S. S. from Ft. Collins, CO (7/11/2007) "Rocky Mountain High" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really liked this race. The race is extremely tough, but the course is spectacular, the organization is first-rate, and the vibe is really fun. This was my 6th marathon and easily the toughest I've done. It took me 5:37 to complete the marathon, about 2 hours slower than my best time! I've read that this is probably the 2nd toughest marathon in the USA, behind the vastly more popular Pike's Peak Marathon, which I've yet to tackle. The course is an out-and-back from the town of Leadville to Mosquito Pass. The combination of vertical and altitude is a killer! Leadville sits at about 10,200 feet, and Mosquito Pass tops out at about 13,100 feet. In between the course climbs a secondary pass next to Ball Mountain at about 12,000 feet. Runners hit that pass twice, the second time at about mile 20. There are 3 major climbs on the course, and you will climb (and descend!) almost 6,000 feet during the race. Roughly all but 4 miles of the course runs above 11,000 feet. The course is mostly on old mining and 4x4 roads, with one beautiful single track section on the north side of Ball Mountain. The majority of the course is above timberline, so there are no trees to block the spectacular mountain views. The Leadville area bears the scars of many years of mining and some of the course runs through old mining areas which are not beautiful in a natural sense, but I thought the ruined landscapes were at least interesting to see. Overall it really is difficult to understate how spectacular the scenery and views are on this course. The weather was very good; I ran in shorts and a short-sleeve running shirt, a tech hat and sunglasses. A brimmed hat and sunglasses are highly recommended, as the sunlight is particularly bright at that elevation. I brought along a lightweight running windbreaker and I was a little cold when I arrived at the top of Mosquito Pass, so I did end up wearing the jacket at the pass, and for the first 2 miles of my descent from the pass. When I finished (at 1:37 p.m.) it was actually getting pretty warm in Leadville, but at 5 p.m. a big thunderstorm raked the area; there were still several people out on course at that time (the final finisher came in at about 6:30 p.m.!) and they got soaked. If you think it might take you longer than 6 hours to finish the race, consider bringing something waterproof in case of storms. It is normal for thunderstorms to appear after noon in the mountains this time of year. I thought the race organization was excellent. There were 3 full aid stations but the way the course is laid out you hit them multiple times so there are 7 opportunities to refuel and re-hydrate. The aid stations are stocked with water and (I think) Accelerade, flat Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite, some sort of energy gel (forgot what kind), watermelon, cantaloupe, bananas, pretzels, cookies - and they will make peanut butter sandwiches upon request! I've never done an ultra marathon but I get the feeling the aid stations were stocked for ultra runners more than marathoners. In most marathons I don't stop at the aid stations. For this one I stopped at every one to make sure I got something to eat and drink. I did carry a water bottle and I was glad that I did. I like to have a little sip of something every mile or so, and the aid stations were more spread out than usual so it was worth carrying the extra weight. Afterwards, at 5 p.m., the race provided a decent Mexican buffet dinner, the cost of which was included in the race entry. At the dinner the race co-director listed every single participant's name, starting with the final finisher (the last a** over the pass) who received a special award for persevering, and listing all up to the first finisher. Everyone received a souvenir mug at that time, and the award winners also got cool trophies that were made to look like gold pans. Of course there is also the race medal, and the shirts were technical, which I always appreciate. There's no way this race is making a profit; I registered early for $55 and got the shirt, medal, mug, and free dinner in addition to the race support itself. The dinner/awards ceremony was held in an old gymnasium right off main street, and there was just this great bygone era feel to the whole proceedings. Obviously, considering the course, it was a tough race. I figured I'd be walking portions of the course but I must admit I walked a lot of the uphill sections of the course. The last major hill from mile 16-20 was particularly tough; there was about a mile of it that was run-able, but mostly it was a painful slog! It certainly was a blessing that the last 4 miles were almost all downhill. Pretty much everybody walked uphill, and ran downhill. I'm not a confident or brave downhill runner, so I got passed a lot on the downhill parts, but since I knew I wouldn't be setting any personal bests, I didn't mind. I wanted to avoid injury, so I took things easy. I brought along a small digital camera and took a lot of pictures. Oddly enough, the net result of my relatively slow time was that I was the least sore after this marathon than I have been after any other marathon. Maybe there is something to the penguin method after all! Do this race; I don't think you will be disappointed.
M. T. from USA (7/8/2007) "Breathtaking! :)" (about: 2004) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Ran a 3-hour-and-12-minute marathon several months before Leadville. My time was 6 hours 40 minutes in this race.... Walking to the summit, my heart rate was around 180 BPM, which I ran at sea level... I will definitely re-visit and run this race again.... If you want to do well and enjoy Leadville try getting there at least 3 weeks before the race to get used to the altitude. GREAT RACE...
BethAnn Perkins from Grand Ledge, MI (11/12/2006) "Most exhilarating marathon I've ever run." (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a tough course, but it's spectacular. After 9:20:00, I would do it again in a heartbeat. The course support is the best. As a flat-lander I was the last one to reach the turnaround at the Pass. The aid station was still there for me with four supporters to make sure that I was doing ok. The race directors are awesome! I was second to last to finish and the finish line was still open, the announcer still there to call out my name, and the race director put the medal around my neck. The last person to come in was an hour behind me. The co-race director interrupted the post-race dinner and encouraged everyone to go out and cheer him into the finish. Awesome experience. Will definitely do it again.
M. P. from Dallas, Texas (7/19/2006) "tough but fun course" (about: 2006) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Tough course but worth every minute. People were great and the atmosphere surrounding the race was very inviting.
S. C. from O'Fallon, IL (7/13/2006) "One Tough Race" (about: 2006) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Leadville Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I've run over 20 marathons and this was by far the hardest. The altitude makes breathing tough, which you expect going in. What you may be surprised by is the unrelentingly steep climbs and somewhat rocky uneven paths. It took me roughly an hour and a half longer to complete than a road marathon. If you're a competetive runner you'll need to go into this race with a bit of a different attitude or you'll burn yourself out on the inclines before the race is even half over. I found the declines nearly as tough as the inclines because the footing is treacherous. If you get moving too quickly, you could very well break an ankle. This is one to do for the challenge and scenery. I only gave the course 4 stars because I didn't like the fact that you had to weave around people on the way back down from Mosquito Pass. And I thought the finish line was somewhat disorganized, which is why I only gave 4 stars for organization. The only spectators were at the finish line and aid stations, and that's a good thing in a marathon like this.
P. P. from HighlandsRanch, Colorado (7/3/2006) "awesome views, great volunteers, wonderful directo" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Leadville Trail Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is my third year running/walking the Leadville Marathon. I keep coming back because of the people: the directors Ken and Merilee are so nice and friendly. This year at the last aid stop after Baldy Mountain, my daughter Christine and I were greeted by the director and his super volunteers. My other daughter Melanie has run the marathon for the second year, and she is amazed by the volunteers - last year they took her shoes off and fixed her blisters. No other race has such down-home friendliness. The views from Baldy Mountain made me think of the Sound of Music. The top of Mosquito Pass is great, and to top off the day, each finisher is given a beautiful mug with the Leadville Marathon motif. This is a really hard trail run but I hope to be back for more next year. Also, this is the first year they have had the heavy half. My friends Carol and Alison did the heavy half and they thought the views and people were outstanding.

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