On August 17, 2024, the Leadville 100 Mile, known as the “Race Across the Sky,” witnessed a groundbreaking day as both the men’s and women’s records were pushed to new heights. Trail runner and coach David Roche, a 100-mile rookie, stunned the ultra-running world by smashing the long-standing course record set by mountain running legend Matt Carpenter in 2005. Not to be outdone, Mary Denholm put on a commanding performance in the women’s race, securing the second-fastest time in race history.
David Roche’s Historic Run
Roche, known for his success in shorter-distance trail races, embarked on the 100-mile Leadville challenge with determination and preparation, despite recovering from a significant bike crash injury earlier in the year. The Leadville 100, which begins and ends in the high-altitude town of Leadville, Colorado, takes runners on an out-and-back journey with nearly 4,800 meters of elevation gain. The course is notorious for its tough climbs, particularly the double crossing of Hope Pass, and the thin air at elevations exceeding 10,000 feet.
(@MountainRoche)
From the start, Roche set a blistering pace, with his eye on the 2005 course record of 15:42:59. By the 12.6-mile mark at May Queen, Roche was already ahead of Carpenter’s pace, splitting 1:31:34 compared to Carpenter’s 1:41. Roche continued to gain momentum, reaching Twin Lakes at mile 37.9 in 4:51:20, more than 30 minutes ahead of Carpenter’s time.
As Roche pushed through the halfway point at Winfield, he was 26 minutes ahead of the previous record, with a lead that only grew as the race progressed. By the time he crossed the finish line, Roche had obliterated the course record by over 16 minutes, finishing in 15:26:34. This victory was made even sweeter considering his comeback from injury, showcasing both his physical and mental toughness.
Mary Denholm’s Dominant Performance
While Roche made headlines in the men’s race, Mary Denholm delivered an equally impressive performance on the women’s side. From the outset, Denholm set a pace that left her competitors far behind. By the time she reached the first major checkpoint at Mayqueen, she had already established a solid lead.
As the race wore on, Denholm’s dominance only increased. By the time she hit the turnaround at Winfield, she was an astounding 50 minutes ahead of her nearest rival, Julie Wright. Denholm maintained her commanding lead all the way to the finish, crossing the line in 18:23:51, which was just 17 minutes shy of Ann Trason’s legendary course record set in 1994. This performance was not only the second-fastest in the race’s history but also a testament to Denholm’s endurance and strategy.
A Day for the Record Books
Both Roche and Denholm’s performances underscored the elite level of competition at this year’s Leadville 100 Mile. Roche’s wire-to-wire victory and record-breaking time solidified his place in the history books, while Denholm’s all-the-way win was a masterclass in endurance and pacing. With both runners shattering expectations, the 2024 Leadville 100 Mile will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the sport of ultra-running.
These remarkable achievements remind us that the limits of human endurance are constantly being tested and redefined on the rugged trails of Colorado.
