A massive wildfire actively burning west of Leadville, Colorado, for three weeks has cast doubt on whether the Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik could take place as scheduled on August 15. The race serves as the third of six races in the Life Time Grand Prix.
On Thursday, a 'green light' for planning to continue was confirmed by event owners and managers, Life Time, as containment of the wildfire had improved to 37% and smoke had been lifting.
However, a course change was needed as several Lake County roads and trails used on the 104-mile course were closed by the Leadville Ranger District of the US Forest Service, including County roads 30 and 10 in the 'Powerline' area.
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A significant portion of the out-and-back course, between Turquoise Lake and Twin Lakes, which is at the base of the decisive Columbine climb, is currently part of a mandatory evacuation area, as noted by the Lake County Office of Emergency Management.
"The time has arrived, and we are excited to share, barring any further developments, that we have the green light to move ahead with our 2026 race season," read a statement from Life Time on social media July 16.
"The smoke is lifting and the hundreds of personnel on the Willow Fire are bringing containment more into reach every day. 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.
"While the courses will look different, the same call for grit, guts and determination is woven deep into the trail ahead.
"Over the next few days and weeks, our teams will also dig deep and work diligently to bring all critical/updated course and crew information to you. Most of all, we look forward to welcoming you home to Leadville and the start line of the upcoming events."
Organisers noted that the 'green light' status could change at any time, with Air Quality Index and "any threatening changes in fire status" among the factors monitored across the next month.
An update to the Leadville 100 MTB course was underway, but no information was provided. Any reroute will have to address an order from the US Forest Service which listed the Willow Fire Area Closure as being "closed for the protection of public health and safety" from July 7 to September 30, 2026.
The Willow Fire started on June 28 and rapidly spread across Lake County, consuming nearly 6,877 acres, according to the most recent update on the US Forest Service's Willow Fire hotline.
In addition to Leadville Trail 100 MTB, Life Time owns and operates three other events hosted at the Colorado mountain town - Leadville MTB Stage Race presented by Kenetik, Leadville Trail 10K presented by La Sportiva and Leadville Trail 100 Run presented by La Sportiva.
Earlier in July, the Leadville Race Series Silver Rush 50, events for runners and mountain bike riders, was cancelled due to the Willow Fire. For Leadville Trail 100 MTB, organisers noted they would use emails for registered riders and support crews for updates.
Leadville Trail 100 MTB has been a fixture in the US for more than 40 years, renowned for its high altitude that begins on the start line in Leadville at 9,200 feet above sea level and rising to 12,516 feet at the crest of the 10.7-mile Columbine climb.
Last year Keegan Swenson won a fifth consecutive Leadville Trail 100 MTB, while the women's race was won on a debut appearance by Kate Courtney. Swenson is expected to compete again as he is part of the Life Time Grand Prix invitation-only field. Courtney signed a pro road contract to race for FDJ United-SUEZ, and her schedule for August was not confirmed.
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