About This Race
The Hardrock 100 stands as one of the world's most demanding ultramarathons, traversing 100 miles through Colorado's rugged San Juan Mountains. This legendary race combines extreme altitude, technical terrain, and wilderness navigation challenges that test every aspect of a runner's mountain skills. With an average elevation above 11,000 feet and 33,000+ feet of climbing, runners cross thirteen major passes and summit 14,048-foot Handies Peak while navigating everything from 4WD roads to cross-country sections. Held annually since 1992 in alternating directions around a challenging loop course, the race connects the historic mining towns of Silverton, Telluride, Ouray, and the ghost town of Sherman. The 48-hour cutoff reflects the course's graduate-level difficulty, where mountaineering skills matter as much as running fitness. Runners don't cross a traditional finish line but instead must 'kiss the Hardrock'—a ram's head painted on mining stone—symbolizing their conquest of one of ultrarunning's ultimate tests.
The loop course follows a mix of 4WD roads, established trails, and cross-country sections through the heart of the San Juan Range. Runners traverse thirteen major passes between 12,000-13,000 feet, with the highest point at Handies Peak's 14,048-foot summit and the lowest at 7,680 feet in Ouray. The route demands technical navigation skills across remote wilderness areas where weather conditions can change rapidly and rescue would be difficult.
Key landmarks include the historic mining towns that serve as major aid stations, treacherous high-altitude passes that may retain snow even in July, and exposed ridgelines where lightning poses a serious threat. The course alternates direction annually, with clockwise years typically considered more challenging due to the approach angles on several critical climbs.
Practical Info
High-altitude mountain conditions with potential for snow, lightning, and rapid temperature changes even in July.
Best For
Notable Features
The Hardrock 100 is distinguished by its lottery entry system, reflecting demand that far exceeds the limited field size. The race operates under special permits on public lands and maintains strong ties to local communities through its scholarship program honoring fallen runner Joel Zucker. The course's extreme difficulty has resulted in cancellations due to snow conditions and wildfires, emphasizing the serious mountain environment that challenges even the most experienced ultrarunners.