Leadville 100 Mile Returns: A Town’s Tradition that Grows with Community Values
Summary: The 2025 Leadville Trail 100 Mile starts this Saturday, drawing thousands to Leadville as the town—once a mining hub—hosts one of ultrarunning’s most storied events. Born in 1983 from a communal mission to revive the local economy, the race has evolved into a multi-event summer series while staying anchored in three core principles that prioritize the town, a local ethos, and selflessness. Today, the event supports a scholarship foundation, expands participation to about 800 runners, and preserves the race’s humble origins alongside modern logistics and increased spectator interest.
A town shaped by mining, now powered by a race
Leadville sits at 10,154 feet and is widely recognized as the highest incorporated city in the United States. Its history rises and falls with mining fortunes: gold in the 1860s sparked a boom, followed by a silver surge that swelled the population into the tens of thousands. The mid-20th century brought economic shifts, and by the late 20th century Leadville faced decline, compounded by environmental challenges from decades of mining and the designation of a Superfund site in 1983. Against this backdrop, the Leadville 100 Mile emerged as a lifeline to bring visitors and money to a town seeking stability.
Birth of a community-led race
The race was founded in 1983 by local businessman Ken Chlouber and real estate agent Merilee Maupin. They anchored the venture on three unwavering principles. First, everything had to benefit Leadville itself—the town would be the primary beneficiary and the running would drive local spending. Second, the event had to start and finish in Leadville and carry the town’s name, ensuring participants’ presence translated into local economic activity. Third, the founders insisted on humility and selflessness, with no one above the community’s interests. To illustrate their commitment, Chlouber notes that he paid the entry fee for all 14 years he ran the race, a gesture meant to embody the spirit of shared purpose.
From a 45-runner debut to a regional phenomenon
The early days of the race were labor-intensive for the two founders, who were essentially running an operation with limited staff and a lot of volunteer help. The inaugural field of 45 racers grew into a much larger community as ultrarunning gained popularity. The sport’s rising profile coincided with broader access to information and online sign-ups, while books like Born to Run helped fuel interest. Even as participation surged, Maupin and Chlouber pressed to keep the event aligned with their original three pillars, resisting pressures to turn the race into a money-making machine or to admit entrants without regard to community impact.
A balance of growth, scrutiny, and corporate interest
By the late 2000s, the Leadville 100 had become a magnet for potential buyers. In 2009, an investor group floated the idea of a sale, offering a substantial cash package and broad access to sponsors and racers. Chlouber and Maupin chose not to pursue the offer, prioritizing Leadville’s long-term health over a quick payday. In 2010, after a personal tragedy for Maupin, Life Time – a fitness company with a history of sponsoring endurance events – acquired the event, but with conditions that preserved the trio of community-first principles. Today, the organizers note they still guide the event with the support of a growing team of employees and volunteers, while Life Time provides additional resources to scale operations.
A broadening footprint and a lasting legacy
The race has expanded well beyond a single 100-mile run. A mountain bike event began in 1994, and a full series now includes shorter races and specialty events such as a Leadman/Leadwoman challenge, training camps, and a wide range of distance options. Participation has climbed from roughly 500 in the late 2000s to about 800 finishers in recent years, underscoring sustained interest in ultrarunning and community events. The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation, created in 2002, channels a portion of the race’s success into education, awarding $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Lake County High School, a tangible investment in the town’s future.
Racers and families in step with a historic locale
Modern runners arrive with advanced gear and race-day technologies, yet their motivations echo the early participants: testing personal limits, connecting with the natural world, and sharing a lasting experience with family and friends. For many, Leadville’s status as a historic town and its rugged alpine scenery provide a powerful backdrop for a life-changing challenge. Local organizers and spectators continue to weigh the realities of a growing crowd—such as aid stations, road logistics, and environmental stewardship—against the town’s ability to maintain its close-knit, welcoming atmosphere.
A hopeful look ahead
Despite growing pains common to any long-running event, the Leadville 100 Mile has preserved the core values that sparked its creation. The combination of a strong local foundation, careful governance, and corporate partnership has enabled the town to benefit economically while maintaining a sense of place and community pride. For runners like first-time competitor Ryan Sheehy from Texas, Leadville remains a beacon of tradition and a memorable test of endurance that families can witness together, year after year.
Valuable context and takeaways
– Leadville’s economy has historically benefited from tourism-centered events, a model that demonstrates how small towns can leverage iconic races to stabilize and diversify income.
– The three founding pillars—local benefit, a name and start/end in Leadville, and selfless leadership—have served as a compass through growth, sponsorship changes, and logistical scaling.
– The fundraising and scholarship efforts via the Legacy Foundation reflect a commitment to the community’s long-term well-being beyond the race itself.
– While participation has expanded, the event maintains an emphasis on accessibility and community involvement, balancing elite competition with a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Bonus notes for readers and future coverage
– If you’re planning to attend, consider lodging and transportation well in advance, as the town’s population surges during race weekend.
– Watching from classic vantage points along the course or at key aid stations (like Winfield and Outward Bound) can maximize the experience of both the course and the communal spirit.
– The ongoing balance between growth and tradition remains a central theme for Leadville’s organizers, offering a model for how communities can preserve character while embracing change.
Overall, the Leadville 100 Mile is not just a race; it is a story of a town’s resilience, its commitment to community, and a tradition that continues to evolve while staying true to its origins.