Elaine Stypula, 60, Dies During Hardrock 100 Ultramarathon Near Silverton, Colorado
On Friday morning, July 11, 2025, 60‑year‑old Elaine Stypula of Farmington Hills, Michigan, tragically collapsed and passed away during the grueling Hardrock 100 ultramarathon. The incident unfolded in a remote, high-altitude region near Little Giant Basin, west of Silverton, Colorado, on the Little Giant Trail, part of this notoriously challenging course
⏱ Timeline of the Incident
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6:00 a.m.: Race begins with 146 participants in Silverton.
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~9:00 a.m.: Safety sweep team finds Elaine unresponsive.
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9:02 a.m.: A Search & Rescue call is dispatched to San Juan County Sheriff’s Office
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~10:27 a.m.: Despite CPR by race safety personnel and Silverton Medical Rescue, Elaine is pronounced dead by the coroner at 10:27 a.m. MT
Her race tracker showed she had covered approximately 6.3 miles, climbing a steep trail at around 12,150 ft elevation when she collapsed
🌲 Remote Location & Rescue Efforts
The Little Giant Basin is notoriously difficult to access. Creating hazardous conditions, response teams could only drive within a quarter mile of Elaine’s last known location; the rest of the journey to reach her had to be completed on foot by Silverton Medical Rescue and San Juan County deputies The hard-won arrival and immediate medical efforts demonstrate both the danger of the terrain and the dedication of rescue personnel.
🏅 A Seasoned Ultramarathoner
Elaine was not new to endurance racing:
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She had completed dozens of ultra-distance events since 2008, including the Transalpine Run, Paris Marathon, Marathon des Sables, Badwater 135, and UTMB Mont Blanc.
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Her previous attempt at Hardrock was in 2018—the only race she didn’t finish, dropping out after 91 miles
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A respected family law attorney, Elaine balanced a demanding career with an unwavering passion for endurance sport
😢 Community Response
Race organizers expressed profound grief:
“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”
Silverton Medical Rescue and San Juan County Sheriff recognized the logistical challenges and emotional strain, affirming their dedication to runner safety and community support
⚙️ What Happened — Unanswered Questions
As of now, no official cause of death has been determined. Possible contributing factors include:
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High altitude and severe elevation gain
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Rugged, remote terrain increasing physical stress
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Medical emergency—heart-related, heat exhaustion, altitude sickness, or others
The San Juan County Coroner’s Office has promised further details once the race concludes
🌄 The Hardrock 100 — What Makes It Unique
The Hardrock 100 is one of the world’s most difficult ultramarathons:
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102.5 miles through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
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Roughly 33,000 feet of elevation gain/loss
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Peaks at Handies Peak (14,048 ft)
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Limited to 146 participants selected by lottery
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A 48-hour completion cutoff
Athletes are tested by heat, snow, river crossings, lightning threats, and punishing climbs.
👥 Legacy and Remembrance
Elaine Stypula’s passing resonates deeply within both the endurance racing community and her personal circles:
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Her skill, grit, and grace as an ultrarunner were well-known and inspiring.
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Jeff, a fellow competitor, reflected that Elaine “embodied endurance—both in her career and her running.”
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Beyond trail networks, she was a caring attorney and role model, shining courage both in court and on mountain trails
🕊️ Final Thoughts & Ongoing Tributes
Elaine’s passing is a solemn reminder of the hazards even the most seasoned adventurers face. Her legacy of toughness, kindness, and pursuit of a dream will endure.
Support efforts include:
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Race organizers’ grief counselling services for participants and crew
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Offers of assistance to her family from the ultrarunning community
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A conversation about runner safety amid increasing participation in extreme events