Ultrarunner dies after collapsing during 102-mile Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run

A seasoned ultrarunner from Michigan died after she collapsed during an arduous 102-mile footrace through a series of steep mountain passes in Colorado Friday.

Elaine Stypula, 60, fell just three hours into the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run in Silverton, according to a press release from the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities and Silverton Medical Rescue found Stypula on the “steep, rugged, remote” Little Giant Trail near Gold Lake, which is part of the grueling course, Silverton Medical Rescue said.

The Farmington Hills, Mich., resident was so far off the beaten path that authorities could only drive within a quarter mile of her location before trekking the rest on foot, they added.

Emergency personnel tried to resuscitate Stypula, but she was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m., Silverton Medical Rescue said.

The Hardrock Endurance Run is a two-day ultramarathon that takes competitors through Lake City, Ouray, Telluride, and Ophir before returning to Silverton, according to its website.

Racers follow a clockwise course through the key sites, and hike a total of 13 major passes over 12,000 feet in elevation. Of them all, the highest point clocks in at Handies Peak, boasting a 14,048-foot summit.

It’s unclear if Stypula’s collapse was spurred by the high elevation.

The average competitor takes 40 hours to complete the entire ultramarathon, according to the run’s website.

“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,” Hardrock wrote on its website.

“We are committed to caring for runners, crews, volunteers, and all members of our community through the event’s duration and beyond.”

Beyond being a passionate marathoner, Stypula worked as a family attorney, according to her Instagram.

She previously participated in the Transalpine Run, the Paris Marathon, the Brooklyn Marathon and the Death Valley Trail Marathon. She also scaled Mont Blanc, Mount Rainier and even the Alps, according to her Instagram.

Stypula qualified for the Hardrock Endurance Race in 2022, according to Instagram. She ran in 2018 as well, but did not finish, per her ultra-marathon profile.