Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half

Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half overview

The Life Time Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half take place on out-and-back dirt roads and single track through Leadville's historic mining district. The marathon covers 26.4 miles and the Heavy Half covers 15.46 miles along much of the same route, with the Heavy Half excluding the Ball Mountain section. The course tops out at Mosquito Pass at 13,185 feet, the highest point of any Leadville Race Series event, and may feature snow. Courses are marked with fluorescent pink-and-black ribbon and flour arrows.

General registration for the 2026 event is sold out. Registration opened on 1/9/26; listed entry fees were Marathon $160 and Heavy Half $140. Minimum age on race day is 16 for the marathon and 14 for the Heavy Half.

Aid and support are provided on course. The Marathon has seven aid stations including Adelaide and Mosquito Pass; the Heavy Half has three aid stations including Resurrection and Mosquito Pass. On-course nutrition brands listed include Neversecond energy gels and high carbohydrate drink mixes and Skratch Labs hydration, bars, and chews.

All athletes and crews must park at the Community Fields and High School parking lot and use shuttles or other approved access to the start; there is no parking at the startline. Crew and spectator access on course is limited to the Start/Finish area and the Resurrection Aid Station.

The marathon serves as a qualifier for the Leadville Trail 100 Run and a minimum of 35 qualifier coins are allocated at qualifier events. Awards include overall, para, non-binary, and age group categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.