Leadville Uncovered: Adrian Macdonald’s Chase for Three

Two-time Leadville 100 champion Adrian Macdonald returns to the Race Across the Sky in 2026 chasing a third victory, but this year comes with a major wrinkle: a different course.Adrian joins Corinne and Russell to talk about preparing for Leadville without knowing exactly what race day will look like, why he has increasingly approached Leadville as a race that requires both mountain strength and serious speed, and how shorter, hard efforts at races like Gorge Waterfalls, Broken Arrow and Speedgoat have helped build his fitness for 100 miles at altitude.He also takes us back to his breakout 2021 Leadville victory, a race that changed the trajectory of his running career and introduced him to the possibility of becoming a professional trail runner. Adrian shares how he went from a 2:25 marathoner who discovered trails during the pandemic to one of the most consistent performers in Leadville history.We dig into his race-day strategy, his experienced crew and pacers, altitude preparation, and why he prefers to stay patient early before really beginning to race about a third of the way in.And when asked what he hopes the Leadville Herald headline says the morning after the race? Adrian doesn't hesitate: “Macdonald wins third Leadville 100.”Support UU & Open Fuel by shopping their awesome sports nutrition. Use code UU25 for 25% off your order!