Current initiatives

Byron Tapp racing the 2026 Leadville 100

  • I will be returning for a second chance at running one of the oldest and most iconic 100-mile trail races in the US, the Leadville 100.  The course includes steep climbs and technical terrain on the Colorado Trail, amounting to over 18,000 feet of elevation gain. The course reaches a peak elevation of 12,600 feet at the crux of the course, ironically titled Hope Pass, where runners gasp for breath and question their sanity. 

  • My reason for running Leadville had always been to bring awareness to mental illness and mental health struggles, but in not finishing the 2025 race I realized I went into with the assumption that I could accomplish whatever I intended. 

    It retrospect it was about me “finishing” the race and not simply “attempting” the race. Not finishing the race gave me more insight into the daily and ongoing struggles with mental illness. Many that live and struggle daily do not have a level playing field in attempting most things in life, whether that being getting or keeping a job, a relationship, accomplishing or finishing most tasks or goals. 

    It seemly fitting to me that I training and fought really hard to accomplish something and failed. 

    I decided to do what I would hope, encourage and pray for those struggling with similar situations in life that hold much larger consequences than finishing a race.  “The result or accomplishment is not the focus, but in order to keep going in life you have to keep going, keep trying and never give up.” 

    So, I got back up, recommitted to “attempting” the 2026 Leadville 100 Mile Trail Run, but this time with a different point of view.

  • The race is held over two days on August 22-23, 2026.  It starts at 4:00am on Saturday and must be finished by 10:00am on Sunday. Historically less than 50% of those at the starting line complete the race. 

  • The best way to follow Byron’s training and the race is through his instagram or Facebook. You can also read about his experiences on our blog!

Past initiatives

Byron Tapp racing the 2025 Leadville 100

  • I will be running one of the oldest and most iconic 100-mile trail races in the US, the Leadville 100.  The course includes steep climbs and technical terrain on the Colorado Trail, amounting to over 18,000 feet of elevation gain. The course reaches a peak elevation of 12,600 feet at the crux of the course, ironically titled Hope Pass, where runners gasp for breath and question their sanity. 

  • The Leadville 100 symbolizes what people living with mental illness face every day—they push through incredibly hard challenges that never really get easier. They’re often misunderstood, feel isolated, and can’t do it alone. I am running for three reasons. First, I hope to draw attention and awareness to mental illness.  It is an isolating, shaming and hidden struggle that is seldom discussed or understood but is experienced by so many. Second, I hope to make a small difference by supporting those who live with mental illness and the people who love them in the West Texas area. Above all, I want to offer a sense of HOPE to those who are doing what feels impossibly hard every single day—just to keep going.

  • The race is held over two days on August 16-17, 2025.  It starts at 4:00am on Saturday and must be finished by 10:00am on Sunday. Historically less than 50% of those at the starting line complete the race. 

  • The best way to follow Byron’s training and the race is through his instagram or Facebook. You can also read about his experiences on our blog!

  • Due to an injury, Byron was not able to finish the Leadville 100. However, the goal of $100,000 was still met. You can read his reflections about the Leadville 100 here, and follow him on Instagram for updates on his next race.