Could the Leadville Trail 100 save the town from their tourism slump? Businesses, residents hope so.

Could the Leadville Trail 100 save the town from their tourism slump? For Leadville, Colo., organizers said they were cleared to continue the remainder of the summer race series, following the earlier cancellation of the Silver Rush 50 on July 6 due to the ongoing impact of the Willow Fire. Although the fire is still burning, local businesses and residents are welcoming visitors, with tourism down after the incident, according to a Lake County official. Lake County’s Tourism and Economic Development Director Adam Ducharme said more than 70% of Leadville’s economy depends on tourism, and out-of-market visitors fell from 115,600 to 69,200 between June 28 and July 7, a 40% decrease. Race director Tamira Jenlink reported about 9,000 individual registrations and expects major races to proceed, with the Leadville Trail 100 scheduled for Aug. 22.