Green Light given for Leadville Trail races to commence as Willow Fire containment continues

“While the courses will look different, the same call for grit, guts and determination is woven deep into the trail ahead”

The Willow fire west of Leadville, Colorado was threatening to shutter the remaining 2026 Leadville Trail races, but that threat appears to be NO MORE.

In an e-letter penned by Tamira Jenlink, Lead Race Director of the Leadville Race Series, she announced on Wednesday, July 15 that the remaining season’s races would commence.

“Barring any further developments,” Jenlink said, “the smoke is lifting and the hundreds of personnel on the Willow Fire are bringing containment more into reach every day.”

The Willow Fire, two miles northwest of the Leadville Fish Hatchery, was estimated to have burned 6,967 acres of forest as of Friday, July 17 but was at 37% containment. The fire burned very close to the infamous Powerline section of the both the Trail 100 Run and Trail 100 MTB courses.

However, fire personnel’s efforts have made enough progress on the fire that the races can go on as planned.

“We thank all of our first responders who have spent countless hours over the last 16+ days reducing the impact and ensuring the safety of our community,” Jenlink said in the e-letter.

According to the Leadville Race Series, approximately 9,000 people are registrants in the Leadville Race Series in 2026.

The upcoming events slated to happen:

• Life Time Leadville MTB Stage Race presented by Kenetik, July 24-26
• Life Time Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik, Aug. 15
• Life Time Leadville Trail 10K presented by La Sportiva, Aug. 16
• Life Time Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva, Aug. 22

“While the courses will look different, the same call for grit, guts and determination is woven deep into the trail ahead,” Jenlink said. “The people are what make these events so special. Our staff and volunteers, our sponsors, our locals and community members, and YOU, the racers. The magic comes from every single person that touches these events, and we’re all here ready for you.”

Jenlink said over the next few days and weeks the Leadville Series teams will “dig deep” and “work diligently” to bring all critical/updated course and crew information to you.

Jenlink urged registrants to keep checking email inboxes regularly for all incoming information about their specific events and any critical updates.