Merilee Maupin Honored as a Colorado Sportswoman

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By Kathy Bedell © Leadville Today

On Sunday, March 13, Merilee Maupin—longtime Race Director of the Leadville Trail 100 (LT100)—will receive the prestigious Sportswoman of Colorado Award. This accolade celebrates Colorado women who have made significant contributions to girls’ and women’s sports as athletes, coaches, mentors, or advocates.

A Heartfelt Tribute from a Partner

Ken Chlouber, Maupin’s business partner who nominated her, highlights her defining quality: “Amid all the logistics and planning behind the LT100, Merilee brought the one essential element that set the tone for everything else: heart.”

The Face of the Finish Line

Since taking the reins in 1983 and guiding the event through 2010, Maupin became synonymous with the finish line. Thousands of runners and cyclists remember her standing at the end—medal in hand—ready to share in their joy, whether they were laughing, cheering, or moved to tears by their accomplishment.

“Some athletes would say, ‘I won’t let anyone else hang that medal around my neck but Merilee,’” Chlouber recalls.

Building a Legacy of Endurance Events

Under Maupin’s leadership, the LT100 grew from a single 100-mile foot race into a suite of endurance challenges: a 100-mile mountain‐bike race, marathon, half‐marathon, 50-mile bike and run, and a 10K—each earning international respect.

“Her organizational prowess and meticulous attention to detail set the standard,” says Chlouber. “Over three decades, her warmth turned every new face into a friend—and every friend into family.”

Championing the Community Off the Trail

Beyond race day, Maupin co-founded the Leadville Trail 100 Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to improving life in Leadville and Lake County. Her dedication to the region’s well‐being underscores why she’s a fitting recipient of this year’s Sportswoman of Colorado Award.

For a full list of honorees, see the Sportswomen of Colorado LINK.

About Sportswomen of Colorado

Established in 1974 by the YWCA of Metropolitan Denver and Gart Brothers Sporting Goods, Sportswomen of Colorado was the nation’s first community‐based program honoring female athletes. Each year, it recognizes women whose achievements and advocacy have advanced girls’ and women’s sports across the state.

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