Michigan Ultramarathoner Dies After Collapsing During Hardrock 100 Race in Colorado Mountains

A Michigan woman competing in the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run collapsed and died just hours into the iconic ultramarathon, held in Colorado’s remote and mountainous terrain on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The tragedy unfolded around 9:02 a.m. Friday, when emergency responders were alerted that a runner had collapsed near Gold Lake along the Little Giant Trail, located just east of Silverton. The Hardrock 100, a 102.5-mile race known for its extreme elevation and remote high-alpine trails, had only begun a few hours earlier.

Crews from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, Silverton Medical Rescue, and Flight For Life responded swiftly. Ground teams were able to drive within a quarter mile of the runner’s location and hiked the remaining distance. When they arrived, race safety personnel were already performing CPR.

Despite continued efforts by medical teams, 60-year-old Elaine Stypula, a resident of the Detroit metro area, was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m. on-site.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office expressed condolences to Stypula’s family, friends, and the broader community of runners.

The Hardrock 100, which begins and ends in Silverton, is one of the most demanding races in North America. The course spans over 13 high mountain passes, all above 12,000 feet, and includes the 14,048-foot summit of Handies Peak, making altitude and rugged terrain serious challenges for participants. The average completion time is about 40 hours, though runners have up to 48 hours to finish.

Race officials emphasized the event’s longstanding commitment to safety. Tyler George, Director of Silverton Medical Rescue, noted, “The Hardrock 100 Endurance Race has demonstrated exceptional organization and has been a valued partner to our community over the years.”

Organizers of the race shared their grief and announced that grief counselors would be available to anyone in need at the Silverton Gym.

The death of Elaine Stypula casts a solemn tone over this year’s event, serving as a reminder of the intense physical demands and unpredictable dangers of high-altitude endurance racing.