About
Get ready for the ultimate mountain-bike endurance test: the Leadville Trail 100 MTB (LT100 MTB). First held in 1994, this race has earned its legendary status as one of the most demanding and prestigious cross-country MTB events in the world. Riders will climb, descend and grind their way through high-altitude terrain starting at ~10,152 ft, topping out near ~12,500 ft, and covering around 100 miles of rugged Rocky Mountain landscape.
Leadville Trail 100 MTB
Sat, Aug 15, 2026
Leadville, United States
Where and when
Location: Harrison Ave & E 6th St, Leadville, CO 80461, USA
Start times: Leadville Trail 100 MTB: 6:00 AM
Event summary
Here are the distances available for 2026 Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik
- Leadville Trail 100 MTB - 100mi - free
- Leadville Trail 100 MTB - 100mi - free
Route information
The LT100 MTB follows a 105-mile out-and-back route featuring around 12,000 ft of elevation gain. Starting in downtown Leadville, riders traverse a mix of forest service roads, alpine two-track, and rocky climbs, topping out at 12,500 ft at Columbine Mine before turning back toward town. The course is fast and rideable in parts but brutally steep in others, demanding both power and patience. Aid stations are positioned throughout the route, offering nutrition, hydration, and support, while the ever-changing mountain weather keeps every mile unpredictable.
What's included
- Race entry and timing chip
- On-course aid stations offering hydration and nutrition (brands include Neversecond, Skratch Labs)
- Official belt buckle awards for finishers
- Finishers’ hoodie and other event swag
- Race across the sky finish festival, awards ceremony, community vibe
- Crew support zones, drop bag service, expo/check-in events before race day
How to get there
Harrison Ave & E 6th St, Leadville, CO 80461, USA
Leadville is about a 2.5-hour drive from Denver International Airport (DEN). The town sits at over 10,000 ft, so plan to arrive early to acclimate. Accommodation fills quickly - book well in advance. Expect variable mountain weather, from warm sunshine to cold, windy conditions even in August.
Hotels and Accommodation
Find some of the best hotel rates close to the startline with Hotel Planner.
Event day logistics
6:00 am Elite Men
6:10 am Elite Women
~6:30 am Gold, then other corrals (Silver/Red, Green, Purple etc) in staggered fashion.
Timing: Chip time used for buckle eligibility; gun time used for course cut-offs.
Finish festival & awards ceremony: ~7:00 pm at downtown stage (6th & Harrison) on race day.
Crew access: There are designated crew zones (Outward Bound, Pipeline Alternate, Twin Lakes Dam, Lost Canyon) that riders and crews can use, each with specific rules for parking, wristbands, shuttles.
Parking & shuttle: Due to race week traffic and elevation, all athletes/crews park at designated lot (Community Fields/HS lot) and use shuttle (or walk/bike) to start. Shuttles free for crews.
Drop bags: You may send drop bags to certain aid stations (Twin Lakes Dam, Outward Bound) with rules for clear bags, labels, etc.