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Leadville Trail Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Leadville, CO, USA
- Race Date: 06/27/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: No
World Marathon Majors: No
Leadville Trail Marathon Description
The Leadville Trail Marathon is one of the toughest trail marathons in the country, climbing through Leadville, Colorado’s historic mining district on an out-and-back course of dirt roads and single track. The route tops out at Mosquito Pass, 13,185 feet above sea level and the highest point of any Leadville Race Series event, before descending back to town. A Heavy Half Marathon runs the same weekend. With thousands of feet of climbing at extreme altitude, this race doubles as a qualifier toward entry into the legendary Leadville Trail 100 Run.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Leadville Trail Marathon Additional Details:
Seven aid stations dot the Leadville Trail Marathon course, and they’re stocked less like a typical road race and more like an ultra: Skratch Labs hydration, energy gels, pickle juice, bananas, pretzels, and the kind of assorted real food needed to survive extreme altitude for hours. Because the course crests above 13,000 feet, it’s not unusual to spot patches of snow lingering on the trail even in summer, a detail that catches first-timers off guard. Finishing here also counts as a step toward entry into the legendary Leadville Trail 100, and regulars treat the medal itself as a badge for having the grit to complete one of the toughest 26.2-mile courses in the country. This is a race where survival matters as much as finishing time.
Course Information
Profile: Very Hilly
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Trails
Pace Groups: No
Time Limit: 8.5 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 700-800
Marathon: 600 to 700
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 6,167 ft (1,880 m)
Elevation Loss: 6,167 ft (1,880 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 50°F
- High: 70°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
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Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Things to Do in Leadville, CO, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Mount Sherman
Hike Mount Sherman, one of Colorado’s easiest 14ers and steeped in mining history — a moderate option for those with good legs after race day.
Landmark
Matchless Mine
Tour the Matchless Mine and Baby Doe’s Cabin, telling the story of Horace Tabor and Leadville’s silver boom — an easy, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Museums & History
National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum
Explore the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum in downtown Leadville, home to exhibits on the region’s mining legacy — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Sports & Entertainment
Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad
Ride the Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad, a scenic sightseeing train departing from the historic depot — a relaxed, seated way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Mineral Belt Trail
Bike or walk the Mineral Belt Trail, an 11.6-mile paved loop around Leadville through the Historic Mining District — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Leadville Trail Marathon
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