Introduction
The Leadville 100, renowned for its extreme challenge and breathtaking mountain scenery, has long stood as one of the world’s most demanding ultra-endurance races. In its 2024 edition, this legendary race delivered unforgettable moments, showcasing extraordinary athleticism and resilience. Notably, David Roche set a new course record, while Mary Denholm delivered a stunning performance that secures her place among the race’s all-time greats. This year’s event not only tested runners’ limits but also elevated the race’s storied history with remarkable achievements and inspiring stories.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Race
- David Roche shattered the men’s course record with an astonishing time of 15 hours, 26 minutes, and 34 seconds.
- Mary Denholm achieved the second-fastest women’s finish ever, crossing the line in 18 hours, 23 minutes, and 51 seconds.
- This year’s race reaffirmed its reputation as one of the most formidable ultramarathons, with over 18,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain.
- Roche maintained a commanding lead from start to finish, finishing nearly 30 minutes ahead of his closest rival.
- Denholm’s dominance was equally impressive, as she finished over three hours ahead of her nearest competitor, showcasing her incredible stamina and determination.
Leadville 100 Run 2024: An Overview
The Leadville 100, often affectionately called the “Race Across the Sky,” is a legendary ultramarathon that traces a rugged 100-mile course through Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1983, it tests the limits of human endurance, with runners starting and finishing in the historic town of Leadville, situated at an elevation of over 10,000 feet. The course ascends to a peak elevation of 12,600 feet and involves navigating some of the most challenging high-altitude terrain. The total elevation gain exceeds 18,000 feet, making it a true test of resilience, strength, and mental toughness for every participant.
Men’s Race: Roche’s Dominant Performance
Courtesy of Life Time
David Roche entered the 2024 edition with a clear mission: to beat the legendary record set by Matt Carpenter in 2005. From the gun, Roche took charge, immediately establishing a commanding lead that he would never relinquish. By the time he reached Twin Lakes, he was already nine minutes ahead of his nearest competitor, Adrian Macdonald. As the race progressed, Roche’s relentless pace allowed him to extend his advantage, reaching the halfway mark at Winfield with an 11-minute cushion. Despite the grueling course and thin mountain air, Roche maintained his swift tempo, ultimately crossing the finish line in an astonishing 15:26:34. This performance not only broke Carpenter’s nearly two-decade-old record but also demonstrated his exceptional endurance, finishing a full 30 minutes ahead of Macdonald in second place.
Top 10 Men’s Finishing Results
- 1st place: David Roche – 15:26:34
- 2nd place: Adrian Macdonald – 15:56:34
- 3rd place: Ryan Sullivan – 17:21:39
- 4th place: Will Murray – 17:29:07
- 5th place: Robbie Britton – 17:56:10
- 6th place: Corey Kallembach – 18:18:25
- 7th place: Mark Gaudet – 18:23:48
- 8th place: JP Giblin – 18:30:14
- 9th place: Bo Shelby – 18:35:08
- 10th place: Vince Paikowski – 18:47:54
Women’s Race: Denholm’s Unassailable Lead
Courtesy of Life Time
Mary Denholm emerged as the undisputed queen of the women’s race in 2024, demonstrating superior strength and strategic pacing from the very first miles. Starting at Mayqueen, she quickly established her dominance, building a significant lead by the time she descended into Twin Lakes. Her commanding performance saw her pull ahead by 22 minutes early on, and she continued to extend her advantage, reaching the Winfield turnaround with a 50-minute lead. Her relentless pace and resilience allowed her to leave the rest of the field in her wake, culminating in a finish time of 18:23:51. This marks the second-fastest women’s time in the history of the race, narrowly missing Ann Trason’s record from 1994. Denholm’s victory was a testament to her exceptional endurance and tactical acumen, as she finished more than three hours ahead of her closest competitor, Julie Wright.
Top 10 Women’s Results
- 1st place: Mary Denholm – 18:23:51
- 2nd place: Zoe Rom – 21:27:41
- 3rd place: Julie Wright – 21:48:57
- 4th place: Jaclyn Foroughi – 22:34:15
- 5th place: Mickey Davis – 23:06:52
- 6th place: Hannah Jochem – 23:13:11
- 7th place: Becki Lynn Bauer – 23:20:32
- 8th place: Kelly Brophy – 23:37:59
- 9th place: Nicole Bitter – 23:56:46
- 10th place: Miranda Kaltenborn – 24:25:51
Final Thoughts and Significance
The 2024 Leadville 100 has etched itself into the annals of ultra-distance racing history, marked by exceptional athletic feats and inspiring perseverance. David Roche’s record-breaking run exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence, while Mary Denholm’s commanding victory underscores the extraordinary capabilities of top-tier ultrarunners. As the community celebrates these remarkable achievements, the race’s legacy as a true test of human endurance is reaffirmed, inspiring future generations to chase their own limits amidst Colorado’s majestic mountains.
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