The Leadville 100 is scheduled for next weekend, August 15, despite the nearby Willow Fire. That wildfire, which started in late June, has burned over 7,000 acres and threatened the 2026 race entirely. But with recent containment reaching nearly 70%, the Leadville 100 will happen this year, but not without changes.
A few weeks ago, Lifetime announced that the course would be altered this year due to the fire, marking the first significant change since its genesis in 1994. While they mentioned iconic sections like Powerline being cut, a full, updated route wasn’t disclosed.
Today, that has changed. According to Lifetime, the race will kick off with “a route that closely follows the traditional course, covering 9,916 ft of elevation across 102.1 miles. Athletes will head west from Harrison Ave as normal, first taking on St. Kevin’s climb before heading back east around Turquoise Lake to avoid the areas affected by the Willow Fire.”
The new route leaves out Hagerman Pass Road, Sugarloaf Mountain, and, of course, Powerline.
The press material continues: “Athletes will rejoin the original course at the bottom of the Powerline Descent, before heading into the Outward Bound aid station at mile 22.7. Riders will then ascend the iconic Columbine climb before heading back to town on the famous out-and-back course.”
You can see the updated route here.
While mileage remains closely the same, the route omissions will greatly affect elevation, with racers climbing roughly 2,000 fewer feet at this year’s Leadville.
Last year, Leadville newcomer Kate Courtney smashed the women’s record by over 10 minutes, with a time of 6:48:54. This year, winners and any potential record-breaking runs might have people saying, “Yeah, but that was Leadville 2026…”
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