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For someone who has spent more than a decade competing at the highest levels of ultrarunning, it's hard to believe that Tim Tollefson has never raced in Colorado. But that changes this year as the longtime professional athlete, race director, media personality, and Mammoth Trail Fest co-founder heads to the Leadville Trail 100 for the very first time.
In this episode of Leadville Uncovered, Tim talks about why Leadville remained on the periphery of his racing calendar for so many years. The timing of UTMB, the changing priorities of professional racing, and the realities of a busy career all played a role. But when plans for Chamonix changed this summer, an unexpected opportunity opened the door to finally experience one of the most iconic races in American ultrarunning.
The conversation explores everything from wildfire-related course changes and race directing to the evolution of professional trail running and how races build value through competition, storytelling, and media exposure. Tim offers a thoughtful perspective on why heritage matters, why Leadville deserves more attention from elite athletes, and how influencers may have done more to expand the race's reach than professional competition itself.
There are also plenty of lighter moments. Tim learns that pacers can legally mule gear at Leadville, admits he hasn't lined up a crew, and jokes that he's probably the last person in ultrarunning to discover this uniquely Leadville tradition.
Despite decades in the sport, Tim is approaching this race with the mindset of a beginner. He's intentionally avoiding the start list, keeping expectations in check, and embracing the uncertainty of racing at a higher altitude than he's ever experienced. His goals are refreshingly simple: run a race he's proud of and leave Leadville with a buckle.
This episode is part race preview, part state-of-the-sport discussion, and part love letter to one of trail running's most historic events.
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