Leadville Trail Marathon - Race Reviews

In some ways this marathon is tougher than Pikes Peak. You start at a higher elevation, you have to climb three peaks, there is very little shade and there was more snow. The trail varies from asphalt, to hard-packed dirt, mud, small rocks, large rocks, etc. A real challenge and but well organized.

It's usually in hindsight that you can fully assess an event like this one. If you're from the East Coast and want a marathon/ trail experience that will test you...this fits the bill. This surpassed my expectations as far as how difficult it was. I knew the altitude would be a factor, but I didn't think about heat or the full energy of the sun that high up. The last major climb through the parched woodlands was just brutal. I also expected the course to be mostly packed dirt. The loose cobblestone climbs and descents were legit and took me by surprise. If money and travel were not a factor I would do this one again and train COMPLETELY differently for it. If you're from the East Coast aim for doing as many multi hour runs on technical terrain as possible. I did most of my hill training on dirt roads and thought I was strong. I knew by mile 2 that it was going to be a long day...and it was. It was also an incredible experience.

This race is freaking amazing all the way around. The course, the organization, the volunteers, all of it. No they didn't give medals at the finish (though they decided to mail them our later). Really? Who cares? I can't believe someone would actually suggest these folks are 'unethical' for not giving out a medal. These folks put on a great race and I appreciate the effort!! Will be back for sure.

I LOVED this marathon!It was #64 for me & one of the toughest (I've done Pikes Peak twice). The gorgeous views can help take your mind off the quad killing climb you just did.It was a very well supported race with 'real food' at the support stations. I loved the volunteers that were at the entrance to each station with pitchers of water ready to help you fill your water bottle. There really aren't many spectators on the course but I still gave it 4 stars for spectators because the ones that were out were very enthusiastic - especially the ones at the last aid station before you started the climb to Mosquito Pass! And btw, I LOVE the finishers mug we got!! I very proudly drink my coffee from it every morning! Medals are nice but it is also nice to get something I will actually use. I would very highly (pun intended!) recommend this race to anyone that is not afraid of one mother of a tough trail race. The feeling of accomplishment at the finish line is incredible.

I loved everything about this event with one exception. At registration thru race day, their website promised finisher medals, but they decided to hand out coffee mugs to finishers instead. They refuse to provide what we paid for, trained for, and spent a lot of money in travel expenses to attain. A coffee mug will break, a medal lasts forever. It is a shame to have this clouding the reputation and memory of an otherwise great race. I am not likely to do any more of their events based on this unethical behavior. Too bad.

This refers to the 'Heavy Half Marathon,' above 15 miles. Best way to train for this? Crank your treadmill to 15 and then run as fast as you can while breathing through a cocktail straw. No, really. By the first mile, a large number of people were walking, and by the ascent to Mosquito Pass at over 13,000 feet, almost everyone except the super-elite were struggling to put one foot in front of the other. It's not easy! Wonderful, supportive aid stations, great little town with genuine relics of the Old West in its very DNA, and utterly stunning Sound of Music-style scenery of true alpine beauty. Understated and still honest and true, without any fake corporate-sponsored Boston-qualifier posing - just good people and a substantial challenge.

At about 12,000 feet i looked down on a valley that was proably 2,000-3,000 acres of the greenest grass i have ever seen ..the view was magnificent...the trail is difficult at certain sections because of softball size rocks..the aid stations are excellent..this race takes care of the runners ..as far as spectators there just isn`t to many places for them to watch you from..

I am the nutcase from 2009, who fell 3.5 miles from the end and finished before going off to the emergency room for 9 stitches in my knee. Disclaimer: To anyone considering this race, don't be deterred by the above. I have been coordination challenged my entire life. At the finish line, the first aid volunteer assessed me rapidly, then threw me, bleeding knee and all, into his truck and drove me to the emergency room. In the meantime, another race organizer had already called the emergency room and told them I was coming, such that the hospital staff met me at the door for immediate care that was absolutely first rate. I compare this to a previous race, in which I had minor road rash, and the first aid folks watched me clean my own scrapes at the unmanned first aid station from a distance and never came over to see if they were bad or not. So, if you by chance, manage to fall off the mountain in Leadville, know that the organizers will absolutely make sure you are taken care of immediately. I plan to do this race again, only upright the whole way (if only for the awesome peanut butter cookies at the aid stations).

I ran this marathon for the first time in 2009, lured by the interesting waiver I had to sign beforehand. It said something like: "This year's course is littered with the bleached bones of last year's less fortunate runners. Probable causes for not surviving this race include, but are not limited to, freezing, heatstroke, avalanches, fractured skulls from falling off the side of the trail, disorientation and hallucinations due to lack of oxygen, lightning strikes, grizzly bear attacks, snakebites.... Your grieving spouse, orphaned children and other surviving relatives should understand that no non-suicidal person in his/her right mind would attempt to run this race and that, therefore, lawsuits are pointless." Of course, my husband and I signed up immediately. And both of us survived it. Yes, this marathon is grueling. Near Mosquito Pass, putting one foot of the other while still breathing is not as easy as it sounds. There was some lightning, I did fall on a steep downhill, and I did take a wrong turn and ran three additional miles. This why I gave organization only 4 stars instead of 5 - the aid station with the three trails leading away from it made things a bit confusing for someone unfamiliar with the course. Apart from these minor mishaps (and it's not like we were not warned), this is an exhilarating, unforgettable experience. The views are gorgeous, the post-run food is great, the volunteers are cheerful (they get the 5 spectator stars), and the other runners are supportive. Leadville is all a trail marathon should be, and more. We'll be back.

Holy smokes, this is by far the hardest course I've ever tackled, but it was totally worth it. I've done the heavy half twice, once in 2007 and the second in 2008. I was able to complete the 2007 in 7.5 hours (how sad is that?) and unfortunately I did not make it up the top of Mosquito Pass in 2008. I made the mistake of walking the Slacker Half the week before and did not allow myself enough recovery time for Leadville. Call me crazy, but I'm signing up for 2009 and hope to finish in 6.5 hours. I'm a plump, middle-aged, cute walker who loves to get out there and try to participate with the best of them - and Leadville is definitely the BEST! If you're looking for a challenge, a personal goal, and a day of incredible beauty and vistas, then Leadville is the race for you. It's a hard, blood-sweat-and-tears course, but the people who are in charge of the race do an awesome job and you cannot beat the scenery. Come on out to God's country and enjoy the fun! See you in July.

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!

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Tough course but worth every minute. People were great and the atmosphere surrounding the race was very inviting.

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.

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.

In my meager marathon experience, I think the Leadville race was incredible. As a social event or personal challenge, I can think of few single-day races that could possibly compare. The course was brutal and breathtaking. Perhaps most impressive was the attitude of both the volunteers and the participants. Nearing the turnaround, I was amazed by how many of the fastest racers were willing to sacrifice their breaths to cheer the other racers on. We were very impressed by Leadville, too. The mountain biking alone is worth the trip. Best of all, the pretense that infects many of the spectacular cities in Colorado doesn't seem to exist in Leadville. We really enjoyed our stay there.

The Leadville Trail Marathon is a very challenging course. Due to the rugged terrain and high altitude it takes about one and a half times as long as a low altitude road marathon. That's okay with me because I love running on trails. The scenery is wonderful and makes the effort very worth your while to run this marathon. Although there wasn't a cloud in the sky at 8:00 am, it was overcast and windy by the time many of us reached Mosquito Pass. I suggest carrying appropriate gear to deal with cold or rain as the weather can change quickly in those mountains. The day after the marathon, my family and I went horseback riding which we arranged through a sporting good store located very close to where the Leadville 100 has its race pickup. That was fun too! If you like camping and hiking, the Leadville area is great.

This was my first trail marathon. The wild flowers and vistas were beautiful. Since I am a better downhiller, I enjoyed the steep downhills, mostly on the return. It was well marked and had good aid stations. Course was mostly gravel roads (many rough spots) with a few miles single track. Windy at the top!

For a Floridian living on the Gulf, the elevation alone was quite a challenge for me. (I even had altitude sickness the night before.) This was my first actual trail marathon or should I say hike, and yes it was tough; steep and rocky, but I would do it again! I always carry a camera during my marathons and just looking through my photos makes me want to sign up for next year. The views were spectacular and believe me, I had plenty of time to look around as I caught my breath! Although this marathon will surely be my slowest, I missed winning a trophy by one place... they gave a trophy called 'last ass through the pass' to the last finisher. I was second to last. During the awards ceremony, the names of all the finishers were called starting with the last person. Just to finish this one no matter your time was an accomplishment. As has been said the aid stations were the best and volunteers always cheerful. Thanks to all of them who stayed out there for us slowpokes!

This was my fourth marathon and first off road. I came in from out of town with only one and a half days to feel the lack of air, coming from Houston. The course is very rocky with lots of loose rocks pretty much the entire course with steep climbs. Snow is still present on some of the course and very windy. It was the most challenging thing I have ever done and was such a huge accomplishment to finish.

Excellent all around marathon. Unless this is the only marathon you run, forget about doing this one quickly. Most of the uphill portions are so steep that you will walk about a third of the distance (8 plus miles). The aid stations were so well stocked that I was tempted to return to the course upon my finish. A great social race as well, as I spoke with many of my fellow runners. The finisher medal is unique and top-notch too. Be prepared for steep descents or you'll be very sore. No need to carry a water bottle as the temp and humidity generally are such that you won't sweat too much, just drink up at the aid station.

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.