2026 Life Time Lead Challenge
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About
The Lead Challenge is the ultimate test of grit and endurance in the Leadville Race Series - five of the toughest races in a single summer, all at high altitude. Over the course of the season, you’ll take on a mix of trail runs and mountain biking events covering around 282 miles, with most of it above 10,000 ft. It’s not for the faint-hearted - only the most determined athletes who complete all five events earn the coveted Lead Challenge finisher status and the iconic pick-axe award.
Lead Challenge Start Placeholder and Lead Challenge
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Sat, Jun 27, 2026 - Sat, Aug 22, 2026
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Leadville, United States
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Where and when
Location
Leadville, CO 80461, USA
Start times
Event summary
Here are the distances available for 2026 Life Time Lead Challenge
Lead Challenge
free
Lead Challenge Start Placeholder
free
Lead Challenge
free
Lead Challenge Start Placeholder
free
Route information
The Lead Challenge consists of five events:
- Leadville Trail Marathon (run)
- Silver Rush 50 (either run or MTB)
- Leadville Trail 100 MTB
- Leadville 10K (run)
- Leadville Trail 100 Run
These events span several weeks over the summer, demanding consistency, stamina, and smart recovery.
To remain eligible within the Challenge, athletes must complete each event within its cut-off time; failing to do so will disqualify them from the remainder of the series. (You can still race individual events, but not continue as a Challenge competitor.)
For the Silver Rush 50, you’re allowed to choose between the run or bike — your faster adjusted time (run × 0.57) is used for Challenge scoring.
Overall standings are tracked across all five events, but there are no separate Lead Challenge podiums at each individual race; instead, special recognition and awards (like the pick-axe) are given to those who finish the full Challenge.
What's included
- Registration to all five Leadville Race Series events (with the cost bundled into a single Lead Challenge entry)
- Entry flexibility for Silver Rush (you pick run or MTB) but your time is adjusted for scoring
- Lead Challenge recognition: finishing all five events earns you a pick-axe award at the final Leadville 100 Run awards ceremony
- Access to standings and overall Challenge results, plus inclusion in the Lead Challenge scoring system
- Eligibility for series rules and event support across all five races
How to get there
Leadville, CO 80461, USA
Get full directionsThe events are based in Leadville, Colorado, with additional running segments in nearby Twin Lakes and surrounding high-mountain terrain.
Most participants fly into Denver or Eagle/Vail and drive to Leadville. The high-altitude mountain setting means travel times may be longer and weather can be variable.
Hotels and Accommodation
Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.
Find your roomEvent day logistics
- The events are spread across the summer months.
- You begin with the Leadville Trail Marathon, then move into the Silver Rush weekend (run or MTB), followed by the Leadville 100 MTB, the Leadville 10K, and finally finish with the Leadville 100 Run.
- Athletes must start and finish each event to remain in the Challenge; missing any event disqualifies you from Lead Challenge status.
- The overall Challenge standings are updated after each race, building toward a final ranking at the end of the season.
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