Tragedy Strikes 2025 Hardrock 100 as Records Fall in Silverton
URGENT UPDATE: The 2025 Hardrock 100 ultramarathon faced unprecedented challenges, culminating in tragedy as Elaine Stypula, 60, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, tragically passed away less than 10 miles into the race on July 11, 2025. The event, which started and finished in Silverton, Colorado, was initially threatened by hazardous air quality due to nearby fires, but ultimately proceeded as conditions improved before the start.
Race Director Dale Garland expressed deep sorrow over Stypula’s death, marking the first fatality in the event’s 30-year history. “It was challenging, for sure, not only because of Elaine’s death, but also due to the smoke and last-minute decisions,” Garland stated. As the community rallied in support, the race continued with heightened emotions in the air.
In a remarkable display of athleticism, Ludovic Pommeret defended his title, finishing the men’s race in an impressive 22 hours, 21 minutes, and 53 seconds. Meanwhile, Katie Schide shattered the women’s course record, completing the race in 25 hours, 50 minutes, and 23 seconds, becoming the first female to break the 26-hour mark.
Earlier, race officials monitored air quality closely, with Garland and his team conducting evaluations as late as 10 p.m. the night before the race. They offered runners the option to defer their entries due to air quality concerns, but all participants chose to compete. The Hardrock 100 has a storied history, having been canceled four times before, making this year’s decision to proceed even more significant.
As the race unfolded, Pommeret strategically paced himself, gaining a commanding lead by 28.8 miles into the course. He finished over an hour ahead of the competition, with the top three places in the men’s race all going to French runners. Mathieu Blanchard took second in 23:44:23, while Germain Grangier finished third in 24:04:10. The top American finisher was David Ayala, 43, from Bozeman, Montana, who placed fourth.
In the women’s division, Schide’s performance was described by Garland as “rarely seen,” as she quickly distanced herself from her competitors. France’s Manon Bohard finished second in 28:36:16, followed by Switzerland’s Katharina Hartmuth in 32:39:48. Schide’s time eclipsed the previous record held by Courtney Dauwalter by over 20 minutes.
The Hardrock team, having recently updated their critical response plans, emphasized their commitment to safety during the race. Garland noted, “As tragic as the situation was, it was handled really well,” commending the response of local authorities.
As the dust settles, the Hardrock team is planning a debrief in the coming weeks to evaluate their response to Stypula’s death. Garland has maintained contact with her family, respecting their privacy while offering support.
In total, there were 114 finishers this year, a strong turnout compared to previous years. Garland expressed gratitude towards the 600 volunteers who contributed to the event, emphasizing their role in creating a meaningful experience for participants.
As the community reflects on this year’s Hardrock 100, the focus now shifts to the future. Whether Pommeret and Schide will return to defend their titles remains uncertain, but their outstanding performances have left a lasting mark on the ultramarathon’s history.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Hardrock team continues to assess the impact of this year’s race.
