LEADVILLE, Colo. (May 13, 2020) — Life Time, the nation’s premier healthy lifestyle brand which owns the Leadville Race Series, announced today all 2020 Leadville-based mountain bike and run events will be cancelled amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Leadville Race Series is near and dear to us at Life Time, as it is to our athletes and the family and friends that support them, but we have to do what’s ultimately best for the Leadville community and our participants. Given the decision of the Lake County Commissioners, which we fully support, we will be cancelling the series for 2020, for the health and safety of all,” says Kimo Seymour, President, Life Time Athletic Events. “Our team will look forward to bringing the events back in 2021 when we get to the new normal, but for now, we’re sure going to miss our athletes and sponsors. Our sincere hope is that our friends and business partners in the community can survive the financial impact of this difficult decision.”
After the Climax Mine shut down and thousands were left jobless in 1982, the Leadville Trail 100 was created with the sole purpose of impacting the local Leadville community. Since then, the Leadville Race Series has evolved to include 9 Leadville-based events that stretch from June through August. This brings nearly 6000 athletes plus their friends and family to Leadville throughout the summer. In 2019, the series brought $18.5 million in local economic impact to Lake County.
“Believe us when we say that we’re going to miss you, and we’re going to be thinking about all of you, big time,” says Ken Chlouber, founder, Leadville Race Series. “Our team is already starting to prepare to make 2021 something special. We’re so thankful to have the backing of Life Time, who we’ll be working closely with to find solutions to help the Leadville community this year. We can’t wait to see you on the starting line soon.”
For the last few months the COVID-19 pandemic has made waves around the world. The Leadville Race Series staff spent that time working in close partnership with city and county agencies to make the best, safest and most educated decision possible for the wellbeing of the local community as well as those of our participants. Here is the reality:
- Leadville’s hospital and medical resources are limited and cannot assume the risk of widespread outbreak.
- Our participants come from 40 countries and 50 states. We can’t control the precautions taken in communities outside of our own, and that comes with risk.
- Colorado has placed capacities on event gatherings that would greatly impact our event starting lines. It is undetermined when these will be lifted, but we’re told it will not be this summer.
After countless conversations and exploring many options, the Lake County officials voted yesterday, May 12th, in favor of the decision to cancel all special events through the summer of 2020. While it’s tragic and heart-breaking for the Series and community, Life Time fully supports the County’s decision. The events impacted includes the entire Leadville-based events of the Series:
- Leadville Trail Marathon and Half – 6/13
- Leadville 100 Run Training Camp – 6/19
- Leadville 100 MTB Training Camp – 6/25
- Leadville Silver Rush 50 Run – 7/11
- Leadville Silver Rush 50 MTB – 7/12
- Leadville Stage Race – 7/31
- Leadville Trail 100 MTB – 8/15
- Leadville Trail 10K – 8/16
- Leadville Trail 100 Run – 8/22
*Epic Challenges: Silver King & Silver Queen, Leadman & Leadwoman and LeadBoat will not be happening this year.
For more information on available athlete options, visit the FAQs here.
“The Leadville Race Series has connected and grown our Lake County community far and wide and we will miss the joy and inspiration that the series brings year after year,” said County Commissioner Mudge. “The race series is part of our identity and has accomplished the goal of sustaining the economy of Leadville. I know we will come back stronger than ever,” followed County Commissioner Marcella.
“The Leadville Trail 100 has been an honored tradition in the Labbe family for 31 years. Whether cycling, running, pacing, crewing or volunteering, we have been involved every year, said Greg Labbe, Mayor of Leadville. “Personally, I have paced 17 different years, have crewed in the midst of that, and have acted as the captain of the Twin Lakes Aid Station for the past six years. Needless to say, this year is a crushing disappointment for me as it is for so many of you who have dreamt and trained in earnest for the chance to participate in one of the greatest athletic events in the world. We will miss you this year but will look forward with glad hearts to seeing you all next year. Keep training, keep the faith and be twice as determined in 2021.”
The Austin Rattler Run and MTB have previously been postponed to the weekend of November 7 – 8, 2020 and the Wilmington Whiteface MTB in New York has been postponed to October 3, 2020. The Lutsen 99er in Minnesota that was scheduled for June 27, 2020 has also been cancelled.
On the heels of a successful Dirty Kanza Virtual Camp, the Life Time team will also be offering additional opportunities to support the local Leadville, Colo. community, as well as build virtual engagement to keep the fire burning for the Leadville Race Series run and bike community of athletes. More info on these opportunities coming soon.
The full announcement video from the Leadville Race Series team can be viewed here. For more information, please visit: https://www.leadvilleraceseries.com/2020-lrs-cancellations-faq/.
