Brothers Take on Leadville by Luke Fontenot

In 1982, Leadville's primary employer, Climax Mine, shut it’s doors and ceased operations.  3,000+ miners were instantly unemployed, devastating the town.  Overnight, Lake County had the highest unemployment in the nation.  In searching for ways to save the struggling  community, the Leadville Trail 100 running race was born. Beginning in 1983 with 45 runners racing an epic 100 mile trek through the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, the Leadville Race Series has now expanded with events from California to New York, hosting thousands of endurance runners and mountain bikers from all over the world.

Through the growing popularity of these race events the Lake County community has thrived.  A Colorado Mountain College economic assessment in 2012 reported the races brought over $15 million into the county each year.  Many athletes have fallen in love with Leadville and return for the events year after year, and many also want to give back.  In 2002 the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation was created to harness the generous donations of racers to the local community.  The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization serving the needs of our historic and beloved Leadville, Lake County community.  

Each dollar raised goes to this foundation which helps keep Leadville, well, Leadville. Supporting Education, Economic Vitality, Community, Recreation, and the Leadville Legacy.