Tragedy strikes at Hardrock 100-mile Endurance Run with death of participant

This year’s Hardrock 100 Endurance Run was overshadowed by tragedy as one of the participants passed away during the event.

The first edition of the 100-mile event – which classes itself as a run rather than a race – took place in 1992 as a “salute to the toughness and perseverance of the Hardrock miners who lived and worked in the area” and to this day the field is strictly limited, with just 146 places this year.

It starts and finishes in Silverton, Colorado and features over 33,000 feet of climbing, with the direction switching each year – this year it was counter-clockwise.

The start was at 6am local time on Friday 11 July and search and rescue call came just over three hours later.

‘We grieve this tremendous loss’

The tragic news was later announced by the race organisers who said: “We are deeply saddened to share that a beloved member of our Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run family has passed away during this year’s event.

“Our hearts are with their family, friends, and fellow runners as we grieve this tremendous loss. We are committed to caring for runners, crews, volunteers, and all members of our community through the event’s duration and beyond.

“Please see the press release from San Juan County for details regarding this incident. Grief counselors will be available to any and all in the Hardrock community at the Silverton Gym.”

Statement in full from San Juan County

And the press release referred to from San Juan County read as follows: “On Friday July 11th, 2025, there was a fatality during the Hardrock 100 near Little Giant Basin of Silverton, Colorado in San Juan County.

“Silverton, CO: On Friday July 11th, 2025, at 9:02 am, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Silverton Medical Rescue team received a Search and Rescue call about a CPR in progress by the Hardrock 100 Safety Sweep Team members.

“The incident took place near Gold Lake on Little Giant Trail in San Juan County Colorado. The Silverton Medical Rescue team took 4×4 back country roads and then hiked in a ¼ of a mile on the Little Giant Trail to the scene, which is a part of the Hardrock 100 course.

“Once arriving at the scene, the Silverton Medical Rescue Team hiked a ¼ mile up a steep, rugged, remote trail and once arrived performed resuscitation efforts on the patient.

“Unfortunately, the 60-year-old patient was pronounced deceased at 10:27 am. The San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office has identified the 60 year old female as Elaine Stypula of Michigan.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family, friends and community of Elaine Stypula,” said Keri Metzler, San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office.

Stypula, an established trail runner, was one of 13 female former participants who were accepted on the official start list. She ran in the 2018 edition of the race.

Responding to the call were the San Juan County Sheriff’s department, Silverton Medical Rescue, along with a Flight for Life helicopter medical team to the search and rescue call.

“Silverton Medical Rescue is fortunate to have a team of skilled rescue professionals. We support the community, our visitors and each other even on the most difficult calls,” said Michael Burton, Incident Commander of this SAR call for Silverton Medical Rescue.

“The Hardrock 100 Endurance Race has been exceptional in organization and safety throughout the years and an excellent partner to our community,” added Tyler George Director of the Silverton Medical Rescue.

The thoughts of all at RUN247 go out to the family and friends of Elaine Stypula.