2025 Runners for Public Lands Camp & Run, Leadville, CO

This Camp & Run is based on the ancestral homelands of the Ute people. We express our gratitude for their understanding and stewardship of the living lands through which we run.

Join Runners for Public Lands, the Cloud City Conservation Center, Friends of Lake County, and the Lake County Tourism Panel for an inspirational weekend in Leadville, Colorado from Friday, June 13th through Sunday, June 15th! The weekend will include discussions with local experts, hands-on service projects, and time to connect with new friends. There will be opportunities to run, hike, swim, and explore the treasured landscapes of this iconic trail-running town throughout the weekend. 

As a non-profit committed to creating inclusive communities dedicated to protecting the environment, Runners for Public Lands, our partners, and our sponsors, welcome everyone to join us for this amazing experience. All activities will accommodate runners of any pace or experience level. For anyone interested in this event but unable to manage the fee, don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@runnersforpubliclands.org to inquire about available ‘camperships.’

CAMPING INFORMATION

This year we are excited to base our camp on the property of Leadville's High Mountain Institute. Campers will have ample dispersed campsites to choose from and access to the school's facilities, including bathrooms and showers. 

This is a fully accessible camping area that can accommodate participants with various accessibility needs. Please reach out to us at info@runnersforpubliclands.org if you have any accessibility needs that you would like to discuss. If camping isn’t your thing, below are some recommendations for other accommodations in Leadville, CO.

While the campsite costs are included in the registration fee, other accommodation options would be at your own additional expense. Here are some in-town options if you would like to book a hotel: Freight Leadville, Timberline, The Delaware, Inn the Clouds Hostel, The Majestic, Old Tale Inn, Leadville Motor Lodge.

OVERVIEW

Each day will include opportunities to run/ hike as a group or, if you prefer, on your own. Throughout the weekend we will offer various activities to learn more about the history of Leadville and give back to the community through a hands-on service project. We will gather together for lunch and dinner each day, and in the evenings we welcome everyone to join us around the campfire as we share stories, chat about this beautiful place, and discuss topics relevant to trail running and the environment. 

RUNS

Saturday Morning: Trail Run from Camp from 8am -12pm. Choose your distance! 

Sunday Afternoon: Trail Run and Swim at Turquoise Lake. Choose your distance! 

EDUCATION/ COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS

Saturday: Visit Malanzana to hear about the impact of recreation on small businesses in Leadville. Then, learn about regenerative farming with a tour and farm dinner at the Cloud City Conservation Center’s farm project and enjoy a farm dinner featuring an interactive conversation with Dani Reyes-Acosta. 

Sunday: Join the U.S. Forest Service and Friends of Lake County on a Halfmoon Road Cleanup. 

SPONSORS

Sponsors will be announced soon! 
Local Business Partners: Melanzana, Zero Day Coffee, High Mountain Pies, and more! 

WHAT CAMPERS SHOULD BRING

-Personal Food and Drinks for Breakfast and Snacks. Coffee will be provided in the morning. Lunches and Dinners and some snacks and beverage options will also be provided. We recommend bringing a few snacks from home to ensure you have some food that you know works well for you. 

-Sunday night camping is free, but Sunday dinner will be on your own. We recommend trying a restaurant in town, but BYOB is welcome as well. 

-Trail-appropriate shoes and running pack with hydration capability

-Sunscreen, chapstick, and/or sun protective clothing

-Camp gear: tent, sleeping bag, headlamp, reusable water bottle, mug, plates, utensils, etc

-Warm layers: beanie, warm jacket, warm socks

-Appropriate clothing for trail work/clean-up! 

Parking 

Please consider carpooling. There is ample parking and campers are welcome to sleep in their vehicles.