The Hardrock Hundred was canceled Monday after race organizers decided that historic snowfall made the course too dangerous to run.

A stacked field was set to take on the popular ultramarathon this year, including previous winners like Darcy Piceu, Sabrina Stanley, Betsy Kalmeyer, Betsy Nye, Kirk Apt, Jason Schlarb, and Jeff Browning.

Race participants have the option to defer their entry to 2020, or receive a full refund.

After weeks of evaluating course conditions, race organizers have canceled the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run due to historic snowfall in the San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado.



The popular ultramarathon in Sliverton, Colorado, was set to take place in July and include a stacked field of pros, including previous winners like Darcy Piceu, Sabrina Stanley, Betsy Kalmeyer, Betsy Nye, Kirk Apt, Jason Schlarb, and Jeff Browning. The race is a draw for many ultrarunners because of its rich traditions—to complete the race, you must “kiss the Hardrock,” a picture of a ram’s head painted on a large block of stone mining debris instead of cross a finish line—and the tough 100-mile course that includes climbing 33,050 feet of elevation.

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However, due to the historic snowfall in the mountains this winter, race organizers felt it was too dangerous for participants to be on the course because of potential avalanches, avalanche debris already on the course, and fear that runners would not be able to reach aid stations, according to a press release.

The race used several resources in making its decision, such as the trail reports, input from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forestry Service, and numerous conversations among the race committee and board of directors.

“After an extensive process, it became clear that the uncertainty associated with the condition of the course and the issues that the uncertainty caused among our organizational components meant we could not organize and administer a safe and meaningful 2019 Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run that was consistent with the standards and values Hardrock has become known for,” said Run Director Dale Garland in the press release. “While snow and snow water equivalent levels looked to be dropping to manageable levels, other issues such as unprecedented avalanche debris, unstable snow bridges and high-water levels all contributed to us reaching the tough final decision that we did.”

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Because of the cancellation, registered participants will be offered two options: to defer their entry to the 2020 race, or a full refund of their entry fee. For the refund, a decision must be made by July 12. If the runner does not notify the race by then, their entry will automatically be deferred to the 2020 race.

Any withdrawals after July 12 will receive the normal 50 percent refund.

Wait list members will also roll over to the 2020 race, with slots being filled up as they normally would leading up to the race. Because a wait list and a registrants list already exists, no lottery will be held for the 2020 race and no applications will be accepted. Service requirements are also rolling over, and if not yet completed, can be accomplished by July 1, 2020. The form must be with race organizers by July 6, 2020.

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The news comes late, with many runners likely already having travel plans to Silverton set for July. To ease the burden, the Hardrock Hundred Endurence Run is looking at “alternative activities” for those still planning to be in Silverton that week. More information on that will come via the race’s various social media channels when plans are finalized.

Andrew Dawson Gear & News Editor Drew covers a variety of subjects for Runner’s World and Bicycling, and he specializes in writing and editing human interest pieces while also covering health, wellness, gear, and fitness for the brand.

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