Are you in search of your next epic ultramarathon challenge? Look no further! Two of the most iconic and revered races in the world of ultramarathons are the Leadville 100 and Hardrock 100, both nestled in the stunning landscapes of Colorado. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of ultramarathons by comparing and contrasting the Leadville 100 Vs Hardrock 100. Join us on this adventure as we explore their distinctive characteristics, record-breaking statistics, difficulty levels, and much more!
Key Takeaways When Comparing the Leadville 100 Vs Hardrock 100
- The Leadville 100 and Hardrock 100 are famous ultramarathons set in Colorado’s mountains.
- Leadville is popular for first-time 100-milers, with runners racing across mostly runnable terrain at high altitudes.
- Hardrock is known as one of the toughest races worldwide, featuring a rugged course that requires strong hiking skills.
- The Leadville 100 run has over 14,000 feet of elevation gain. While the Hardrock 100 has over 33,000 feet of elevation gain.
- The highest point on the Leadville course is Hope Pass at 12,600 feet. While the Hardrock course’s highest point is 14,048 feet at the summit of Handies Peak.
- The Hardrock 100 is a loop course that changes direction between odd and even years. The Leadville course is an out and back.
- Leadville is considered a very runnable course. Hardrock is much tougher and requires a lot more technical running / hiking.
- The cutoff for Leadville is 30 hours, the cutoff for Hardrock is 48 hours.
- Anyone can enter the Leadville lottery and enter the race if picked. The Hardrock 100 also has a lottery, but you must finish a qualifying race to enter.
History and Overview of the Leadville 100 and Hardrock 100
The Leadville 100, renowned for its popularity among first-time 100-mile ultramarathon participants, guides runners through the breathtaking Colorado Rockies, situated at an average elevation of two miles above sea level. In contrast, the Hardrock 100, hailed as one of the most challenging ultras globally, presents athletes with a grueling course across the rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains.
Leadville 100: A Magnet for First-Time 100 Milers
The Leadville 100 holds a distinctive position within the realm of endurance races in the United States. It boasts a significant following of individuals embarking on their first 100-mile ultramarathon journey, setting it apart from its counterparts in the ultrarunning world.
This coveted event entices both amateur and seasoned runners to push their limits on a high-altitude course. Starting at an elevation of approximately 10,200 feet and reaching a peak of 12,600 feet, the extreme Rocky Mountain terrain offers a formidable challenge and a remarkable sense of accomplishment to its participants.
Many runners find themselves returning year after year, drawn by the allure of this demanding yet captivating trail run held annually in August.
Hardrock 100: Renowned for Its Unyielding Difficulty
Hardrock 100 stands alone in its category due to the sheer level of difficulty it imposes on its participants. Nestled amidst the stunning San Juan Mountains of Colorado, this legendary race spans an arduous 102.5 miles, subjecting individuals to an intense and grueling challenge.
The demanding course necessitates racers to conquer a total elevation gain and loss of nearly 33,197 feet, underscoring the race’s rigorous nature. Its reputation for extremity and wildness has earned it global recognition as one of the most demanding races worldwide.
The allure of relentless challenges and the promise of an unforgiving yet profoundly rewarding experience continue to beckon runners to the Hardrock 100, cementing its status as a true test of endurance and determination.
Comparing Course and Difficulty
While the Leadville 100 offers mostly runnable terrain for athletes, the Hardrock 100 demands more hiking skills due to its challenging pathway.
The Key Differences Between the Leadville 100 vs Hardrock 100
Leadville 100 | Hardrock 100 | |
Course Type | Out and Back | Loop |
Elevation Gain | 14,000+ Feet | 33,000+ Feet |
Highest Point | 12,600 feet at the summit of Hope Pass | 14,048 feet at the summit of Handies Peak |
Cut Off Time | 30 Hours | 48 Hours |
Lottery | Yes | Yes |
Qualifying Race | No | Yes |
Official Link | https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/ | https://hardrock100.com/ |
Comparing Leadville 100 vs Hardrock 100, it’s evident that these two ultramarathon races stand out for their daunting elevations and unique characteristics. Leadville 100 showcases a formidable 14,000-foot elevation gain, tracing an out-and-back route, reaching its apex at Hope Pass, soaring to 12,600 feet. In stark contrast, the Hardrock 100 takes the challenge to a whole new level, boasting a staggering 33,000-foot elevation gain. It carves a challenging loop course that switches directions in odd and even years, with its zenith perched atop Handies Peak at a jaw-dropping 14,048 feet.
When it comes to entry requirements, Leadville allows anyone to throw their hat into the lottery for a shot at participating. On the other hand, Hardrock 100 adopts a more stringent entry process, demanding participants to successfully complete a qualifying race before they can toe the starting line.
Delving into the core of these races, their difficulty levels diverge significantly. Leadville leans towards being more runnable, favoring those with strong endurance and speed. It offers a relatively lenient 30-hour cutoff time, providing participants with a more generous time frame to conquer the course. In sharp contrast, Hardrock 100 demands not just running prowess but also technical skills and hiking capabilities. Its unforgiving terrain and relentless climbs necessitate a robust skill set. To emphasize its grueling nature, Hardrock imposes a challenging 48-hour cutoff, a testament to the sheer endurance required to tackle this iconic ultramarathon.
Leadville: Mostly Runnable Terrain
Leadville, Colorado, often regarded as the Mecca for ultrarunners, boasts a race trail tailored perfectly for long-distance running enthusiasts. With a modest elevation gain of 14,000+ feet. This high-altitude endurance test, known as the Leadville Trail 100, impresses with its predominantly runnable terrain.
Participants traverse rugged trails and dirt roads near this picturesque former mining town. Nestled within the majestic Colorado Rockies, the course provides an enjoyable running experience despite its location at an average elevation of 11,000 feet.
Over the years, it has gained a reputation, particularly attracting first-time ultrarunners eager to attempt a 100-mile mountain race across such accessible terrain.
Hardrock: Extensive Hiking Required
The Hardrock 100, renowned for its demanding path and challenging terrain, necessitates significant hiking skills from its participants. With a staggering total elevation change of 33,197 feet, the race course is not only remote but also technically demanding.
In contrast to the mostly runnable Leadville trail, the Hardrock route presents an entirely different level of endurance with sustained climbs and descents frequently encountered along the way.
This hundred-mile endurance run extends to a length of approximately 102.5 miles, making it an exceptionally daunting challenge, even for experienced ultramarathon runners.
Unique Aspects of Each Race
Every mile of the Leadville 100 is owed to its average elevation of 11,000 feet, which makes for an intense high-altitude challenge. Hardrock’s unique draw lies in its spectacular international appeal and mind-boggling vertical gain of 33,000 feet.
Leadville’s average elevation of 11,000 feet
Sitting at an impressive average elevation of 11,000 feet, Leadville truly tests the endurance of its racers. This high-altitude alpine environment is not just stunningly beautiful but also presents a unique challenge to ultrarunners. The thin air makes breathing more difficult and puts an extra strain on runners’ bodies. Not only do they have to tackle steep inclines and mountainous terrain, but they must also deal with the potential for oxygen deprivation. It’s critical that participants take time before the race begins to acclimate to these extreme altitude conditions or risk suffering from altitude sickness during the event. With each step taken along this challenging elevation profile, runners experience what it means to compete in one of America’s highest cities!
Hardrock’s international appeal and 33,000 feet of vertical gain
Ultramarathons are not for the faint-hearted, and Hardrock 100 proves just that with its immense vertical ascent of 33,000 feet. The race presents a brutally challenging mountainous course that pushes competitors to their limits. This impressive feat of extreme endurance is met with international popularity due to the sheer difficulty of the terrain. In fact, this particular ultramarathon has a cumulative elevation change totaling an astonishing 66,394 feet! The high altitude and demanding route seem daunting but contribute significantly to Hardrock’s global appeal among adventure enthusiasts who thirst for rigorous physical challenges in breathtaking landscapes.
Info on the Leadville 100 Run
The Leadville 100 stands as a challenging symbol in the ultrarunning world, offering competitors over a hundred grueling miles through Colorado’s picturesque but unforgiving Rocky Mountains.
This race is notable for its high altitude, with an average elevation of about 11,000 feet; a fact that adds significantly to its difficulty level. Competitors must navigate the extreme terrain, dealing with altitude sickness and unpredictable weather patterns – all while maintaining pace over long distances.
The course features breathtaking panoramas of alpine meadows and dark pine forests and recent winners have managed to complete this unbearably tough challenge in stunning record times.
Leadville Elevation Profile
Leadville 100 Course details and difficulty
The Leadville 100 takes place in the mesmerizing terrain of Colorado, covering a total distance of over 100 miles. This ultramarathon is known for its challenging course that features steep climbs and high-altitude passes, testing participants’ strength and endurance to their limits.
The route exhibits an extensive elevation gain exceeding 14,000 feet, adding to the overall complexity of the race. Despite these daunting factors, Leadville 100 holds a reputation as a medium difficulty level race among other mile ultramarathons.
However, it’s important not to underestimate this event; mastering the race demands rigorous training focused on enhancing physical stamina and mental resilience.
Leadville’s Course Records
The Leadville 100 race has seen many exceptional athletes over the years, setting impressive records and achieving monumental victories. Below are the Leadville 100 Men’s and Women’s course records.
Year |
Male Records |
Time (Male) |
Year |
Female Records |
Time (Female) |
2005 |
Matt Carpenter |
15:42:59 |
1994 |
Ann Trason |
18:06:24 |
2018 |
Rob Krar |
15:51:57 |
2016 |
Clare Gallagher |
19:00:27 |
2022 |
Adrian Macdonald |
16:05:44 |
2012 |
Tina Lewis |
19:33:45 |
2014 |
Rob Krar |
16:09:32 |
2015 |
Elizabeth Howard |
19:34:09 |
2017 |
Anton Krupicka |
16:14:35 |
2022 |
Clare Gallagher |
19:37:57 |
Info on the Hardrock 100
This section delves into the Hardrock 100, exploring its challenging course details and taking a look at recent winners and noteworthy records in this legendary race.
Hardrock 100 Elevation Profile – Even and Odd Years
Hardrock 100 Course details and difficulty
The Hardrock 100 covers an impressive distance of 102.5 miles in the rugged San Juan Mountains of Colorado, known for its breathtakingly beautiful yet challenging terrain. The extreme course includes a total elevation gain and descent of over 33,000 feet.
Participants continually face steep ascents and descents as they navigate through this high-altitude mountainous region. With such demanding features, it’s no surprise that the Hardrock 100 is touted as one of the world’s toughest ultra marathons.
Beyond endurance, runners must carry navigational skills to conquer trail race on this wild and formidable path; it truly sets apart from other races like Leadville 100 or Western States with its unique difficulty level.
Hardrock 100 Course Records
The Hardrock 100 has seen some impressive performances, with the recent records and winners showcasing the intense competition and extraordinary athletic abilities of the participants. Below are the Hardrock 100’s men’s and women’s record holders.
Year |
Male Records |
Time (Male) |
Year |
Female Records |
Time (Female) |
2022 |
Kilian Jornet |
21:36:24 |
2023 |
Courtney Dauwalter |
26:14:12 |
2021 |
Francois Dhaene |
21:45:50 |
2022 |
Courtney Dauwalter |
26:44:36 |
2022 |
Francois Dhaene |
21:51:19 |
2009 |
Diana Finkel |
27:18:24 |
2014 |
Kilian Jornet |
22:41:33 |
2021 |
Sabrina Stanley |
27:21:48 |
2021 |
Dylan Bowman |
22:45:50 |
2013 |
Anne-Lise Rousset Seguret |
27:29:55 |
Conclusion
When comparing the The Leadville 100 vs Hardrock 100 there are a lot of factors to consider. Both ultramarathons in Colorado offer distinct challenges to runners. Leadville is renowned for attracting first-time 100-mile participants with its high-altitude course and runnable terrain, while Hardrock stands out as one of the world’s toughest races, demanding hiking skills and featuring extreme terrain. Both races have their unique appeal, drawing athletes from around the globe. Leadville’s high altitude of 11,000 feet presents a significant challenge, while Hardrock’s international popularity is fueled by its incredible 33,000 feet of vertical gain. Runners looking for an epic ultramarathon adventure can choose between these iconic races, each offering a memorable journey filled with stunning landscapes and the enduring spirit of ultrarunning.
FAQs
1. What is the Leadville 100?
The Leadville 100 is a famous ultramarathon race held annually in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, covering a distance of 100 miles.
2. How does the Hardrock 100 compare to the Leadville 100?
The Hardrock 100 is considered more challenging than the Leadville 100 due to its steeper elevation gains and rugged terrain.
3. Which race between The Hardrock and The Leadville has a higher altitude?
The Hardrock typically has much higher altitudes compared to the Leadville, with some sections of trail going over peaks exceeding fourteen thousand ( 14,000+) feet. Leadville’s highest point is just over 12,000 feet.
4. Are these races suitable for beginners?
Though both races are extremely challenging, they’re not recommended for beginners because they require advanced physical endurance and mental toughness.
5. When do these ultramarathons usually take place?
Both races usually occur during summer months (July or August), but it’s best to check their official websites for exact dates each year.