Leadville Trail Marathon and Heavy Half

Event Information

The Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half Marathon takes place in Leadville, Colorado. The event offers two distances: a 26.4-mile trail marathon and a 15.46-mile "Heavy Half."

Course Details

The marathon course uses out-and-back dirt roads and single track trails through the historic mining district on the east side of Leadville. The Heavy Half follows the same path but excludes the Ball Mountain section. The course reaches its highest point at Mosquito Pass, which is 13,185 feet in elevation. The event organizers note there is a chance of snow on the course. Courses are marked with fluorescent pink-and-black striped ribbon and flour arrows.

Aid Stations & Cutoffs

The Heavy Half has three aid stations and the marathon has seven. Aid stations provide water, Neversecond energy gels and sports drink, Skratch Labs hydration products, bars, chews, bananas, figs, pretzels, chips, and other foods. Specific cutoff times are enforced at aid stations. The total course cutoff time for both events is 4:00 PM.

Registration & Awards

Registration opens on January 9, 2026. The event has a minimum age requirement: 16+ for the marathon and 14+ for the Heavy Half on race day. Awards are given for top finishers in categories including Overall Male/Female, Para Male/Female, Non-Binary, and age groups (19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+). The awards ceremony takes place at 4:30 PM at the expo.

Logistics

Packet pickup is on Friday at an expo located at 135 E. 6th Street, Leadville. A photo ID is required, and packets must be picked up in person. Race morning packet pickup is also available for each distance. On race day, all participants and crews must park at designated community lots and use a shuttle to reach the start line; no parking is available at the start. Crew and spectator access is limited to the start/finish area and the Resurrection Aid Station. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.