Leadville Trail 100
History of the Leadville Trail 100 Mile Running Race
History is fragile; easily lost, forgotten and sometimes distorted. The Leadville Trail 100 is an iconic race with a rich history. This history has been compiled and told in excellent fashion by authors Marge Hickman and Steve Siguaw. Both have witnessed the 36 year race history of this 100 miles of racing at high altitude. Marge is a fourteen-time finisher and 1985 female champion and Steve is 6th ranked all-time for most finishes with eighteen. The book opens with forwards by Frank Shorter and Marshall Ulrich who offer their unique experiences with this race. A number of the runners including the legendary Ann Trason tell their memories at Leadville. The inclusion of these first hand race memories throughout the book is effective in telling this story and giving insight about the sport.
The race is thoroughly chronical over its history with all finisher listed in the book. One of the most important aspects of this story that is emphasized is the proper recognitions of Jim Butera as the race founder in 1983.
If you’ve read “Born to Run” you owe it to yourself to learn the rest of the story of The Tarahumara Indians of Mexico visit to the race in 1992, 1993, and 1994. As a running historian I particularly enjoyed the chapter “In the Footsteps of Legends” which gives brief descriptions of the many people who are the history of this race.
Leadville Trail 100 is a quick read and offers a rich array of ultramarathon and trail running advice. Marge Hickman makes a point to encourage women to be a part of this race as either a pacer or competitor and to “get a sense of what it’s like and experience the unexpected.”
I thank Marge and Steve for setting the record straight about the true history of Leadville Trail 100, and presenting this story of this unique and difficult race.
Here’s a link to order your copy:
http://www.leadvilletrail100history.com/index.html
Gary Corbitt
Curator: Ted Corbitt Archives
Historian: National Black Marathoners Association
August 2019