The Hardrock 100 ultramarathon is mourning the tragic loss of one of its participants. Elaine Stypula, a 60-year-old ultrarunner from Detroit, was found dead on the course Friday morning, approximately 10 kilometres from the start.
According to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, a search and rescue call was issued at 9:02 a.m. local time near Colorado’s Little Giant Basin, just over an hour into the race. When emergency responders arrived, Stypula was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m. on July 11.
Little Giant Basin is known as one of the most challenging sections early in the race, featuring a steep ascent from Silverton, where runners start to ascend nearly 1,000m of vertical over rugged alpine terrain. The area is known for its technical trails, its high altitude and unpredictable weather.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment issued an air quality alert on July 11 at 9:10 a.m. in the San Juan-Silverton area, as multiple wildfires across the region brought heavy smoke to the area, recommending residents limit outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present.
The cause of death is unknown at this time. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that this remains an ongoing investigation, and further details may be released as they become available.
In a statement, Hardrock 100 organizers shared their grief and support:
“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.”
Stypula was an accomplished ultrarunner with a resume that included some of the world’s most challenging ultra-trail races, such as the Marathon des Sables, Badwater 135 and UTMB Mont Blanc, according to her UltraSignup.
