ART HURTADO'S LEADVILLE 100 STORY
What makes the Leadville 100 so special? Sure, it’s one of the toughest ultramarathons on earth, but beyond the altitude and endless climbs, it’s the community that carries runners forward. We reached out to rabbit elite team member Art Hurtado to hear about his experience at the legendary "Race Across the Sky".
Keep reading to learn about his experience and what it really feels like to take on Leadville.
How would you describe Leadville to someone who’s never been there?
As my first Leadville, this felt like the quintessential mountain ultra to me. A scenic challenge to your lungs in the Rockies but filled with a powerfully supportive community and energy.
What inspired you to sign up for Leadville 100 in the first place?
When rabbit presented the opportunity for the “Race Across the Sky”, I already had a full race calendar and not to mention would only be able train at sea-level due to my busy season at work, all normal reasoning would say no.. but of course, none of us are here for easy, so how could I not accept the challenge to run the legendary Leadville?
How did your body react at altitude compared to sea level, where did you train?
I arrived a few days before and felt like I had a hangover for the first night. Slowly each day got better as I went out for a few smalls runs. I then forced myself to go up a 14er for the exposure and it all felt a lot better by race day. Most of my training was in our local park trails and on the beach itself where I work so it was truly sea-level training block.
What did your training and preparation look like leading up to this race?
With constant 110 feels like days, I focused on running by effort to manage the heat
stress. What’s key for me, is cross-training. I essentially open swim for a living which contributes a lot to my general fitness but I integrate artificial elevation training with strength and stairs. Hot yoga was also essential to my cross training. We only have a single 20-foot hill in our area so you have to get creative.
What was going through your mind as you made your way up Hope Pass?
I had worked up this section so much in my head beforehand that I kept a simple mantra of “just dig and keep moving” so by the time it came around it was thankfully not as devastating as I was expecting. The views and winds coming up and over made you forget the struggle almost instantly.
Was there a breakthrough moment where things suddenly clicked?
As a flatlander, I had become dependent on poles for every climb at previous races. I decided to line up without them and when I saw how I was able to handle the first climbs with more ease and intention then I have before, I forwent picking up the poles until climbing Hope Pass. It felt like returning to when I first started running a few years ago and it set the tone for the rest of my race. Running free. Of equipment, of fear, or expectations. Just myself in the moment.
How important was community support during the race?
The trail running community from day one has always felt like all of us taking on these tremendous challenges together instead of against each other and that spirit reigned supreme at Leadville. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with this sport. We all contributed to culture in our own ways.
Can you put into words what you felt as you crossed the finish line?
The last few miles of Leadville in the darkness give you time to process everything you have just finished. Not just during the race but the months of preparation beforehand. It’s a long race and anything can happen, but I thought of all my family, friends, and community for the day-to-day support. The geeking out. The banter. The simple encouragements and checking in. People always look at the big finish and grand gestures, which is definitely the fruition of your efforts but it’s the little spaces with your friends that make a difference. That’s where real greatness and motivation comes from.
Did you run Leadville?
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