83 Years Young and Still Chasing Miles: Todd Leigh Takes on A Race for the Ages

When most people think about Labor Day weekend, they picture barbecues, beach trips, and well-deserved relaxation. But for 83-year-old Todd Leigh, this weekend means lacing up his running shoes for one of the most challenging ultra events in the country.

The Legend Continues

Over Labor Day weekend, Todd Leigh toed the line at "A Race for the Ages" in Manchester, Tennessee, proving once again that the spirit of ultra running knows no expiration date. At Fred Deadman Park, surrounded by some of America's finest foot warriors, Todd has embarked on what could be a 100+ mile journey around the famous Deadman Mile loop.

What makes "A Race for the Ages" truly special isn't just the distance—it's the format. Runners 41 and over get a number of hours equal to their age to accumulate as many miles as possible. For Todd, that means 83 precious hours to push his limits and add to his already incredible legacy.

Where Age Becomes Advantage

In a sport often dominated by youth, A Race for the Ages flips the script entirely. This isn't just another ultra where veterans hope to make cutoff times—it's an event where experience, wisdom, and sheer determination take center stage. As the race organizers put it, "the footspeed may have diminished with the passing of the years, but the fires of competition still burn bright."

Last year alone, 38 runners aged 70 and over took on the challenge, with 53 total participants logging over 100 miles. Five of those century-milers were 80 and older, proving that Todd is joining an elite fraternity of octogenarian ultra athletes who refuse to let age define their limits.

More Than Miles

But A Race for the Ages isn't just about the numbers on the watch or the miles on the legs. It's about the stories that unfold with each loop around Fred Deadman Park. It's about legends of the sport sharing trail time with newcomers, about fathers and daughters running side by side, and about grandparents creating memories with grandchildren that will last long after the race is over.

These are the stories that exist only in the memories of those who were there—tales not immortalized on the internet but carried in the hearts of the running community. Todd's attempt this weekend will add another chapter to this rich tapestry of ultra running lore.

The Challenge Ahead

The logistics alone make this event remarkable. Runners have access to hot meals every six hours (real Southern cuisine, not typical aid station fare), indoor bathrooms on course, and camping right alongside the loop. The atmosphere is part competition, part reunion, part celebration of the human spirit.

For Todd, every mile will be a testament to decades of dedication to the sport. Every loop around Deadman Mile will be a declaration that passion doesn't have an expiration date.

Join the Mission

The ultra running community is rallying behind Todd with a simple but powerful goal: 100 likes for 100 miles. It's a small gesture that represents something much bigger—our collective admiration for someone who continues to chase dreams when others might be content to chase memories.

The Real Victory

Whether Todd covers 50 miles, 100 miles, or sets a new age group record, he's already won something more valuable than any buckle or medal. He's won the right to inspire every runner who thinks they're too old, too slow, or too far past their prime to chase one more goal.

This Labor Day weekend, while most of America is taking a well-deserved break, Todd Leigh will be showing us all what it means to never stop moving forward.

Follow Todd's progress at A Race for the Ages, August 29 - September 2, 2025, at Fred Deadman Park in Manchester, TN.

Have an inspiring ultra story to share? Contact us at Biggest Little Ultra—we love celebrating the heroes who make our sport extraordinary.