Mike Aidala // Lead Challenge Fundraiser

What is the Lead Challenge? Woof it's a lot, more on that in a second, first a quick story:

Last year, I attempted the Leadville 100 mile trail run. 

Long story short, I was unable to finish. I didn’t make it to the 62 mile marker before the time cut off and was not allowed to finish the race. Watch my story HERE.

I won’t lie, it was tough news. However, it lit a fire in me like never before. This year I am doubling down on my Leadville commitment and coming back for the LEAD Challenge!

This is how the Leadville website describes the Lead Challenge: 

"Take on the toughest, grittiest, gnarliest endurance challenge we could throw together: 5 trail running and MTB events, covering 282.4 miles, all at 10,000+ feet of Rocky Mountain elevation. To conquer the Lead Challenge, you’ll need some lead in your veins.

This event isn’t for the faint of heart. It isn’t even for the “average of heart” or “semi-courageous of heart.” This event is only for the toughest of the tough, those endurance athletes who can look at the epic endeavor ahead — completing all 5 of Leadville’s’ most demanding events — and smile. Here’s the list of (literal) mountains you’ll climb:

2024 Event Dates:

• Leadville Trail Marathon– June 29th, 2024
• Silver Rush 50 Mile Run OR/ AND ;)  Silver Rush 50 mile MTB– July 6th-7th, 2024
• 100 Mile MTB– August 10th, 2024
• 10K Run– August 11th, 2024
• 100 Mile Run– August 17th, 2024

Only a brave few start. Only the toughest finish."

This will hands down be the toughest physical challenge I have ever taken on. I am pulling out all the stops to finish strong in all the races this year but more importantly I am aiming to raise funds to support the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation. 

This is why:

This race was born out of grit, guts, determination and a need for survival.

In 1982, Leadville's primary employer, Climax Mine, closed. The 3,250 miners were instantly unemployed, devastating the town. Overnight, Lake County had the highest unemployment rate in the nation. In searching for ways to save this struggling community, the Leadville Trail 100 Running race was born. Beginning with 45 runners, racing an epic 100 mile trek through the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain, the Leadville Race Series has now expanded from California to New York, hosting thousands of endurance runners and mountain bikers from all over the world.

Through these races the Lake County community has thrived. In 2012, Colorado Mountain College did an economic assessment that reported the races brought over $15 million into the County each year. Athletes have fallen in love with this unique town, returning year after year, buying homes, and wishing to give back. In 2002 the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation was created to harness the generous donations of racers to our community.

The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation Core Values inspire their decisions and guide their funding choices.

Education – we support partnerships that motivate Leadville Lake County youth to further themselves through educational opportunities.

Economic Vitality– we are committed to ensuring a thriving economy for our town, and value ideals that pursue economic success and prosperity.

Community – we support ideas and participate in initiatives with other Leadville Lake County partners, that benefit the greater good of the town.

Recreation – we value the benefits of recreation in promoting and encouraging a quality, healthy life for our Leadville Lake county community.

Leadville's Mining Legacy – we appreciate and value the mining history that got us here.   We understand it is an important part of the culture of the town and what makes Leadville unique.

As an athlete I love using my fitness and strength to raise awareness to those people who are doing great things within their community. The Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation could not be a better example of this.

Please consider donating to this great cause and cheering me on for these race with your financial support. With heart,

Mike