In 1982, the Climax Molybdenum Mine closed, taking with it the jobs of 3,250 Leadville, Colorado citizens. Leadville local and ultimate race founder, Ken Chlouber, understood that something needed to be done to get the community back on its feet. In 1983, with just 45 runners making the epic 100-mile trek through rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, the Leadville Race Series was born. Today, the world-renowned series hosts countless racers on foot and in the saddle. Year after year, endurance Professional athletes from all over the world test their grit, guts and decision with the ultimate goal of “Racing Across the Sky” and earning the sought after silver and gold buckle.
“We brought to life, not just the Leadville Path 100 Run, however a completely different ultra principle. Our motivation was family. What might we provide for Leadville and what might we provide for you.” Creator, Ken Chlouber
Leadville Path 100 Run
The legendary “Race Throughout The Sky” 100-mile run is where it all began back in 1983. The race where legends are produced, and limitations are tested. One hundred miles of extreme Colorado Rockies terrain– from elevations of 9,200 to 12,600 feet. Throughout the 50-mile out and back, runners will be confronted with a go up to Hope Pass (12,600 ft elevation) not just as soon as, however two times, and will experience a total of 7 peaks. Called as one of the most tough ultramarathon runs in the nation, it is not a surprise that regularly less than half of the individuals will make it over the goal within the allocated 30-hour time limitation. Nevertheless, in spite of problems, numerous runners keep coming back for more every year to make the desired Leadman and Leadwoman titles.
Leadville Path 100
MTB In 1994, 11 years after the inaugural run, the mountain bicycle race was contributed to the series. The Leadville Trail 100 MTB is the United States’ 2nd biggest 100 mile marathon bike race, boasting an incredibly challenging 50-mile out-and-back course beginning and completing at 10,152 feet elevation. Accrued elevation gain of around 11,000 ft comes at the hands of significant climbs up including a 3,224-foot ascent (miles 40-50) to the Columbine Mine standing as the highest peak at 12,424 ft. The descent is then followed by well-known Powerline at mile 80, and St. Kevin’s at mile 86.
For additional information regarding the Leadville Trail 100 MTB occurring on August 11th, click here.
Event Involvement Selection
This year, under the race management of Life Time Fitness, the Leadville Race Series will be commemorating its 36th Anniversary of the Leadville Path 100 Run and its 25th Anniversary of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB. In current years, participation has been so demanded, that the only method to acquire entrance into the 100-mile occasions is through lotto selection, event qualifiers, or by registering on behalf of a Leadville Race Series charity partner. This year the race is anticipating about 800 runners to begin and about 1800 mountain cyclists to begin.
If individual hopefuls are unsuccessful in the lottery procedure and still dream to take part in the Leadville Trail 100 Run, they have the alternative to race one of the qualifier occasions to make their area. Each Leadville Qualifying Series race offers 25 certifying slots to the Leadville Path 100 Run, based upon the overall number of signed up runners at each qualifier event.
Exact same opts for those wanting to get in the Leadville Path 100 MTB. Participants will have the choice to race one of the qualifier occasions to earn their spot. Each Leadville Qualifying Series race supplies 25-100 qualifying slots to the Leadville Path 100 MTB, based upon the total variety of registered riders at each qualifier occasion.
Participants for both the run and bike have the option to avoid the lotto completely and ensure their entry by registering with a charity partner. Operating on behalf of one of the main charity partners not only ensures individuals an area in the 2018 race, however likewise offers them with the chance to make an impact in the Leadville neighborhood. Follow this link for more information about the
Leadville Path 100 Tradition Structure
Probably what sets this series apart from its competitors is its unrivaled impact and dedication to its host community of Leadville, Colorado. Through these races the Lake County community has actually flourished. In 2012 Colorado Mountain College did an economic assessment that reported the races brought over $15 million into the County each year. Professional athletes have actually fallen for this distinct town, returning year after year, buying homes, and wanting to provide back.
In 2002, the Leadville Race Series developed the Leadville Trail 100 Tradition Structure as its not-for-profit foundation to formalize a pathway to fulfill ever-increasing community requirements. The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation fund continues to grow through generous contributions from people and corporations, along with a portion of race entry costs. Considering that the structure’s inception, hundreds of countless dollars have actually been contributed with every dollar going straight to meet the requirements of the Leadville/Lake County community. Every year in Might, $1,000 scholarships are given out to every Lake County finishing senior picking to pursue higher education, an opportunity made totally possible by a dedication to neighborhood that started over 36 years earlier. Ken Chlouber speaks to this mission, “Our objective for the Leadville Trail 100 Race Series remains the exact same today, as it was when 45 runners lined up at 6th & & Harrison on that morning in 1983; to make a favorable difference in Leadville and each and every one of you.” The contributions made to the Leadville Path 100 Legacy Foundation have helped hundreds of young individuals get a head start on higher education, an effect that reaches far beyond the greatest peaks in Colorado.
It seems only fitting to leave you with words that resonate not simply with the men and females who toe the start line, however with all tackling life’s challenges.
“As you stand at the beginning line this August, take a moment to review the journey that has actually brought you to us. The once relatively insurmountable obstacles, the doubts, the desire to give up– you have actually dominated them all! Over the course of those next 100 miles, always remember that ‘You’re much better than you think you are and can do more than you think you can.’ And after you cross the goal, take that Leadville grit, guts and determination and share it with everybody around you. Together, we can change the world. AND WE WILL !! Household is whatever– we love you.”– Ken & Merilee
For more information on the Leadville Race Series, visit the website at http://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/.
