Ultra-runner, 60, dies just seven miles into brutal 102-mile mountain race in United States

A 60-year-old ultra-runner sadly died while competing in a brutal 102-mile event in the United States. Elaine Stypula died on the side of a mountain just seven miles into the Hardrock 100 race in Colorado.

The experienced runner was taking part in the event, which is known as one of the toughest in the world. It is raced over a 102.5-mile course through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, includes 33,197 feet of elevation gain and descent and has a 48-hour cut-off.

Stypula, from Michigan, was only a few hours into the race when a rescue team and a helicopter medical unit were called out. And while they delivered CPR, she passed away on Friday in the remote mountains, 2.8 miles short of the event’s first aid station.

A statement read: “On Friday July 11th, 2025, at 9:02 am, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the Silverton Medical Rescue team received a Search and Rescue call about a CPR in progress by the Hardrock 100 Safety Sweep Team members.

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“The incident took place near Gold Lake on Little Giant Trail in San Juan County Colorado. The Silverton Medical Rescue team took 4x4 back country roads and then hiked in a quarter of a mile on the Little Giant Trail to the scene, which is a part of the Hardrock 100 course.

“Once arriving at the scene, the Silverton Medical Rescue Team hiked a quarter-mile up a steep, rugged, remote trail and once arrived performed resuscitation efforts on the patient.

“Unfortunately, the 60-year-old patient was pronounced deceased at 10:27 am. The San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office has identified the 60 year old female as Elaine Stypula of Michigan.

“Responding to the call were the San Juan County Sheriff's department, Silverton Medical Rescue, along with a Flight for Life helicopter medical team to the search and rescue call.”

"I want to extend my condolences to the family, friends and community of Elaine Stypula," said Keri Metzler, San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office

Hardrock 100 said in a statement: “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 experienced ultra-runner, having racked up more than 40 finishes of races of over 100 miles. She had taken part in Hardrock 100 once previously in 2018, dropping out at the 91.2-mile aid station after 45 hours and 14 minutes on the course.

She had completed legendary races, including the Marathon des Sables, which is run across sand dunes in north Africa, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, in the Alps, and Badwater 135 Mile, the ultimate test in California’s Death Valley.