About Mark
Running for a Cause
https://www.coloradogives.org/story/runforleadville
In August 2027, I will return to Colorado to take on the Leadville Trail 100 Run for the second time.
I have completed seven 100-mile races, including the Leadville Trail 100 in 2021, when I finished in 27:50:41.
For the past 12 years, I have combined my passion for endurance sports with fundraising, helping raise more than $500,000 for the Semper Fi & America’s Fund through events like this.
In 2027, I’m taking on Leadville again with two goals: finish 100 miles in 24 hours or less and raise $30,000 for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation.
The Legacy Foundation gives athletes, supporters, and friends a way to give back to the Leadville and Lake County community that has given so much to the athletes who come there. Every dollar raised stays in Leadville and Lake County, supporting educational scholarships (they award every graduate of the local high school a $3,000 scholarship to support their ongoing education path) and local nonprofits, programs, and projects that strengthen the community.
Having experienced Leadville firsthand, I know what this race means to the runners who come from around the world to dig deep and take on its 100 miles and challenging mountain terrain. This time, I want my return to be about more than just my own finish.
And while the race has my name on it, a 100-mile ultramarathon is never a one-person effort. My wife, Kristi, who has been by my side throughout the years of fundraising, along with our good friend Mike and our children Luke and Leah, will be part of my crew in 2027. They will be there through the long nights, difficult miles, and inevitable moments when I need a little extra encouragement to keep moving forward.
My goal is simple: 100 miles in 24 hours or less—and $30,000 raised for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation.
Every donation, regardless of size, brings me closer to that goal and helps give back to the Leadville community.
Thank you for supporting my journey and helping me make this challenge about something bigger than crossing a finish line.
DETAILS
DisciplineRun
SpecialityUltra Trail
LocationBernardsville, NJ
Joined RendezvuOct 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
https://www.coloradogives.org/story/runforleadville
https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Mark&lname=Neilan
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/312230934/results
About Mark
Running for a Cause
https://www.coloradogives.org/story/runforleadville
In August 2027, I will return to Colorado to take on the Leadville Trail 100 Run for the second time.
I have completed seven 100-mile races, including the Leadville Trail 100 in 2021, when I finished in 27:50:41.
For the past 12 years, I have combined my passion for endurance sports with fundraising, helping raise more than $500,000 for the Semper Fi & America’s Fund through events like this.
In 2027, I’m taking on Leadville again with two goals: finish 100 miles in 24 hours or less and raise $30,000 for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation.
The Legacy Foundation gives athletes, supporters, and friends a way to give back to the Leadville and Lake County community that has given so much to the athletes who come there. Every dollar raised stays in Leadville and Lake County, supporting educational scholarships (they award every graduate of the local high school a $3,000 scholarship to support their ongoing education path) and local nonprofits, programs, and projects that strengthen the community.
Having experienced Leadville firsthand, I know what this race means to the runners who come from around the world to dig deep and take on its 100 miles and challenging mountain terrain. This time, I want my return to be about more than just my own finish.
And while the race has my name on it, a 100-mile ultramarathon is never a one-person effort. My wife, Kristi, who has been by my side throughout the years of fundraising, along with our good friend Mike and our children Luke and Leah, will be part of my crew in 2027. They will be there through the long nights, difficult miles, and inevitable moments when I need a little extra encouragement to keep moving forward.
My goal is simple: 100 miles in 24 hours or less—and $30,000 raised for the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation.
Every donation, regardless of size, brings me closer to that goal and helps give back to the Leadville community.
Thank you for supporting my journey and helping me make this challenge about something bigger than crossing a finish line.
DETAILS
DisciplineRun
SpecialityUltra Trail
LocationBernardsville, NJ
Joined RendezvuOct 2025
HIGHLIGHTS
https://www.coloradogives.org/story/runforleadville
https://ultrasignup.com/results_participant.aspx?fname=Mark&lname=Neilan
https://www.athlinks.com/athletes/312230934/results