The 2025 edition of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB presented by Kenetik proved to be one for the history books with Kate Courtney smashing the record time in the women’s race and Keegan Swenson wrapping up his fifth straight win in the men’s competition.
Kate Courtney Shatters Longstanding Women’s Record
Kate Courtney – who was competing in the event for the very first time – clocked a time of 6hr 48min 55sec which broke the previous best of Annika Langvad, which had stood for 10 years, by 10min 28sec. That performance ensured she beat defending champion Melisa Rollins by 10min 21sec, who also became only the third woman in the race’s history to break the seven-hour barrier.
Keegan Swenson Claims Fifth Consecutive Leadville Win
And in the men’s event, Keegan Swenson’s incredible winning run continued after he went solo on the iconic ascent of Columbine and then pressed home his advantage over the remaining 50+ miles to beat the second-placed John Gaston by 15min 16sec, with a time of 5hr 45min 35sec.
Life Time Grand Prix Standings Update
Those results ensured Swenson extended his winning margin at the top of the Life Time Grand Prix to seven points, where he leads Simon Pellaud – who finished third in the men’s race – on 87 points. Torbjørn Andre Røed moved up to third place overall courtesy of him outsprinting Payson McElveen for fourth place on the day.
Women’s Series Shake-Up After Leadville Results
As Kate Courtney isn’t competing in the Life Time Grand Prix, it was Cecily Decker who opened up a two-point gap on Sofía Gómez Villafañe at the top of the women’s series, ending the race one position ahead of the Argentine in third position*. Rollins meanwhile, moved up to third overall.
Early Breakaways Set the Tone for Leadville’s 31st Edition
It was the men who had got the 31st edition going, with Swenson breaking away with Gaston and Pellaud early on before making his winning move on Columbine. And while the 31 year old came up just short of beating his own record time of 5hr 43min 29sec, which he set in 2023, he proved utterly dominant once again, setting the second-fastest time in the race’s history.
Courtney also used the leg-sapping slopes of Columbine to leave her early breakaway accomplices Rollins and Lauren Stephens behind, and continued to grow her lead as she powered her way back into Leadville.
2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB – Women’s Top 5 Results
1 – Kate Courtney (6hr 48min 55sec)
2 – Melisa Rollins (6hr 59min 16sec)
3 – Cecily Decker (7hr 09min 48sec)
4 – Sofía Gómez Villafañe (7hr 16min 52sec)
5 – Sarah Lange (7hr 17min 16sec)
2025 Leadville Trail 100 MTB – Men’s Top 5 Results
1 – Keegan Swenson (5hr 45min 35sec)
2 – John Gaston (6hr 00min 51sec)
3 – Simon Pellaud (6hr 08min 21sec)
4 – Torbjørn Andre Røed (6hr 15min 03sec)
5 – Payson McElveen (6hr 15min 03sec)
Full Results for all Leadville Competitors
*Lauren Stephens finished the women’s race third position, but upon an official review, she was later disqualified on account of her taking aid outside of a designated crew location. As a result, every rider who initially finished in fourth place onwards has been moved up one place in the final standings.
Kate Courtney’s Reaction to Her Historic Ride
I’ve had a really, really amazing time competing in Leadville. This race, and the stage race, were both amazing events – some of the best racing I’ve ever done in the US – so I’m really grateful and proud to be here.
“Melisa and I had a great battle in the stage race, and the whole time out there today I was thinking ‘she’s going to catch me’, and that kept me honest. It was only when I got on the pavement near the end of the race that I found out the distance between us was good, so then I started thinking ‘I might be able to get the record’, and I was shocked we were able to go that fast today – I’m really proud.
“This race has been on my bucket list for so long; I love the history, the community and the story around it, and also the challenge. This was such an awesome experience and it has been so inspirational for the rest of my season.
Melisa Rollins on Battling for Second Place
Once Kate had gone clear, I managed to gap Lauren on the steep pitch at the bottom of The Boulevard. I hit it as hard as I could and then tried to stay as aero as possible and pace my effort to the finish. At Leadville, you have to ride your own race.
“I wanted to win today, but until last year, I’d never thought that would be possible, so I’m just happy to have done as well as I could have. Kate was phenomenal today, so I can’t be upset with second place behind her.
“I love this race and I want to keep coming back here and keep getting faster. That’s how I started and that’s how I’ve progressed to where I am. That element of it being a race against yourself is what makes it relatable for everyone who takes part in it. I want to shout out my mom too, it’s her 20th finish today and I’m very proud of her.
Keegan Swenson’s Post-Race Reflections
It was a good day. Simon, John and I slipped away and rode hard up St. Kevin’s and then had a careful descent off Powerline. I tried to keep everyone together and we were on a good pace on the approach to Columbine, and from there on out, everyone was doing their own thing. The terrain was super loose so I just tried to stay upright and I managed to break clear on the way home and give it everything I had. I was trying to go faster than I had before but unfortunately came up a bit short.
“It was great racing with John and Simon, and a proper day of bike racing. I’ll take things race-by-race and try and win every one, that’s why we’re here.
Photos courtesy Life Time Grand Prix