Last year Katie Schide made a sensational debut at the Hardrock 100 as the French-based American superstar shattered the course record to claim an emphatic win.
She stopped the clock in Silverton, Colorado after 100 miles of running in 25:50:23, winning by nearly three hours and becoming the first woman to break 26 hours for the event in either direction (it alternates each year).
The record she beat had been held by the great Courtney Dauwalter and the pair – who have won every race that matters between them and taken women’s ultrarunning to new heights – were both scheduled to lock horns in the 2026 edition on 10 July.
But a hugely frustrating spell battling persistent plantar fasciitis and nerve issues in her foot means that Schide has now had to withdraw.
Work in progress
Writing on Instagram, she explained: “Officially off the @hardrock100run start list.
“For a few months, getting healthy enough to be at Hardrock was my only focus. I was excited to be part of the progression of women’s racing here and to see what was possible with such a strong crew of ladies pushing each other toward something more. I’m sure the women of 2026 will make it happen, but I’ll be frustrated to only be cheering them on from afar.
“Somewhere between all the appointments and driving and biking and resting and testing, my goal shifted from being fit enough to race to simply being able to run without stress, without pain. The work continues! And as it turns out, it’s significantly more difficult than training for an ultra.
“I’ll be back for a big loop in the San Juans one day. And in the meantime, someone somewhere just got in off the waitlist and that’s at least one thing that makes me happy :)”
‘Next time’
It’s such a shame for her and the race but there’s been a lovely reaction from her fellow athletes wishing her well with the continued recovery as the post below illustrates.
They include three-time Hardrock champion Dauwalter who simply said: “💚💚💚 next time!”
Dauwalter will be clear favourite for this year’s race on 10 July but she’ll face plenty of competition from the likes of Tara Dower.
![Katharina Hartmuth at the Tor des Géants [Photo credit: Tor des Géants press office | Stefano Coletta - Zzam Agency]](https://run247.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Katharina-Hartmuth-Tor-des-Geants-2024.jpg)
