A Local’s Guide for Racers, Pacers, Crews and Volunteers

With the Leadville Race Series in full swing, race weekend in Leadville is more than just miles and medals, it’s a full community celebration. Whether you’re crushing miles on the trail, wishing you’d addressed that blister 30 miles ago, supporting your favorite racer, or simply soaking in the high-alpine vibes, this guide will help you navigate the best of Leadville’s local offerings, from nutrition to gifts to hidden gems.

Fuel Up: Nutrition and Recovery Essentials

Before you hit the starting line, a crew-inaccessible aid station or the red carpet, Leadville has you covered with health-forward options, proteins and carbohydrates to fuel and recover:

• Before & After: Casual dining featuring breakfast burritos (vegan and gluten-free available), build your own bagel and croissant sandwiches, yogurt parfait, trail mixes and a variety of muffins. Get the day started right.
• Tenderfoot Market: Partnering with local farms and producers they bring high-quality and nutritional food to Leadville. Find nourishing foods, that will be easy on your system during taper and picnic-friendly provisions for your crew cooler here.
• The Famous: The place for pasta (plus pizza, sandwiches and salads). Nicknamed “Leadville’s Living Room” it is the perfect place to relax, replenish your glycogen stores, and recount all of the crazy and wonderful things that happened on race day!
• Ale Yak Food & Beer Garden: Celebrate with craft  beer or N/A options, because hydration and carbs are extra important at altitude but they don’t have to be boring. Ale Yak also offers yoga & sauna sessions to recharge and unwind the body and mind.

Photo: Ale Yak

Gear Up: Outdoor Shops and Hidden Outfitters

Did TSA take half your gels? Forget your lucky socks? Just feel like treating yourself to some new sunnies will give you a boost? Need to upgrade your kit? These local shops are stocked with the gear and apparel that serious racers and adventurers need:

• Leadville Outdoors: Outdoor apparel, footwear, backpacks, sunglasses, books, food and beverages, maps, knowledgeable staff and more. (If you ended up here but your suitcase did not, start here).
• Galena Mountain Projects: Guidebooks, locally made outdoor apparel and a brand that is a celebration of community and collaboration.
• Community Threads: A wide range of new and consigned sporting goods, athletic and casual clothing, running shoes and gifts. Community Threads can help you piece together many of the little things found in a well-stocked crew bag: spare socks, gels, a hat, chafing balms, extra sunglasses and more!
• Twin Lakes General Store: Found at the gateway to Hope Pass, the General Store is here to help with cold drinks, beer, bars, hydration mixes, deli sandwiches, shirts and Hope Pass posters and stickers, pep talks and local knowledge.

• Biking? Cycles of Life and Leadvelo Bicicasa have rentals, gear, tuning and loads of expertise in downtown Leadville. These full-service shops provide major and minor repair and assembly services (inquire about a reservation early). Plus, they sell everything you need from modern frames to bottles, gloves and nutrition.

Photo: Community Threads

Celebrate: Shuttles, Patios, and Post-Race Cheers

After the race, it’s time to kick back. Make use of Leadville’s friendly shuttle system:

• New, Free Weekend Shuttle from Leadville to Twin Lakes: Runs from downtown Leadville to Twin Lakes with a bike rack.

Take in mountain range views from sunny patios:

• Treeline Kitchen: Sip a cocktail on their rooftop patio while watching the sun dip behind the Sawatch Range. This impeccable view will bring up so many memories of race day: bring a notepad to capture everyone’s good, bad and ugly in preparation for next year’s race.
• Silver Llama Market & Eatery: Perfect for breakfast or lunch plus a celebratory sweet treat. Their sunny patio is a local favorite.

Photo: Treeline Kitchen

Crew Gifts & Keepsakes: Where to Shop Local

Your crew and supporters deserve love too. Thank them with something from these small businesses:

• Harperrose Studios: Handcrafted jewelry and mountain-inspired art.
• Alpine Gift Shoppe:  Wall art, home decor, unique gifts and souvenirs.
• Elevation Goods: High-altitude lifestyle merchandise.
• Gigi’s General Store: Eclectic finds and mountain charm.
• Shooting Star Gallery & Twin Lakes General Store: Great Twin Lakes stops with art, gifts, and trail-friendly items.

Photo: Alpine Gift Shoppe

Here to Support a Racer? 

After seeing them off at the starting line, go change out of your PJs and brush your hair, then visit one of our eight museums, connect with nature on an outdoor adventure or treat yourself with some shopping!

Click to view our race supporter blog and learn more about what to do while the racers are out.

Photo Credit @amandahonora

COVER PHOTO CREDIT: @smallcabinbigdreams