The Leadville 100
This last weekend saw the running of The Leadville 100 in Colorado, USA. A race I had the absolute dream fulfilling opportunity to complete two years ago….finishing in 99th position out of nearly 900 starters. All week in my social media feed I have had memories popping up of our Boulder and Leadville visit and it always causes a level of reflection. Happiness, joy and also sadness that I cant return any time soon with the way of the world.
I have made mention previously about my feelings toward Colorado and particularly Boulder. I truly feel and did so even before going there that it is my spiritual home. The landscape, ambiance, atmosphere and vibe of the area sets my heart aglow and my desire to return as soon as I can is strong. I feel a real sadness when I see photos of being there as it really was the trip of a lifetime for me, in every sense of the phrase. Sadness, but also extreme happiness I got to go.
Additionally, getting to run the Leadville 100 was also nearly a decades desire fulfilled. After reading about the race in Born to Run, studying the history, the course, the climbs, the characters and the beauty of the trails, to get to run the sacred tracks was a 25odd hour experience I will remember for the rest of my life. It was beyond expectation and one of the most ‘I’m exactly where need to be’ moments I have ever experienced. The best race, 100miler and place I have ever experienced. The only thing that could have made it better is meeting Anton…..
Speaking of the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time), Anton made a stunning return to Leadville this year after a VERY long hiatus. He hasn't raced in nearly six years and having famously won Leadville twice in 2006 and 2007, the pressure was on. His history at the race is one of the main reasons I wanted to run it. In the early to mid 2000’s, Anton was highlighted in the best running documentary (in my mind) Indulgence where he incredibly ran 200miles a week, at altitude with approx.. 30,000 feet of climbing in preparation for those victories. Since that time, he broke his leg and has struggled to put together long blocks of running due to injury. In lead up to this years race he ran only 80-110k per week but spent 10-35hrs a week on his gravel bike and then climbed on top of that. A VERY different build to this years 100mile race. All that aside, I followed his race through the event and I was SUPER stoked to see him cross the line in third position. What an epic return to racing!
Whilst Leadville may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, predominately single-track miler out there, the history, atmosphere of the area and race is second to none. From the race director Ken Clouber, the shot gun sounding the start, the quaint, sweet feel of the town and people who reside there, to the swag and gratitude of finishing the race is all its cracked up to be. Every bit of it. It will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart and I hope to return again one day soon.
Leadville, once again, you delivered. From Antons return, a first time miler winning the mens race, a female Leadville local taking the ladies crown to Robbie Balengers Colorado Crush (look it up, trust me, incredible) it was a wonderful race year again. After a break in proceedings in 2020 due to Covid, damn it was good to see Leadville back again. Thanks for another fun year to follow and sending all the good feels flowing back into my being. What a race. The Leadville 100 – Race Across the Sky.