On Friday, July 12, at 6 a.m., 146 runners embarked on the legendary Hardrock 100 in Silverton, Colorado. This renowned 100-mile race challenges participants with its 102.5-mile course, featuring over 33,000 feet of elevation gain and an average elevation of 11,000 feet. This year’s race took the clockwise route, starting and ending in Silverton, passing through Telluride, Ouray, and near Lake City.
Runners faced fluctuating temperatures, ranging from below 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but the course was mostly clear of snow.
Courtney Dauwalter, the 39-year-old trail running sensation, triumphed for the third consecutive year, breaking her own course record with a time of 26:11:49. Dauwalter’s incredible performance placed her fourth overall in the race.
“I didn’t plan on sprinting to the finish,” Dauwalter said, acknowledging her husband Kevin’s support in pacing her during the final segment. After overcoming early discomfort and pulling ahead at mile 27, she maintained a strong lead for the rest of the race.
France’s Camille Bruyas secured second place among women, finishing sixth overall with a time of 29:28:14, over three hours behind Dauwalter. Germany’s Katharina Hartmuth finished third in the women’s category, clocking in at 30:29:12.
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This victory marks Dauwalter’s third win at the Hardrock 100 out of four attempts, each time setting a new course record. She withdrew in 2021 due to stomach issues but has been a dominant force in ultra-distance trail running since 2017. Her impressive achievements include multiple victories at UTMB, Western States 100, Transgrancanaria 128K, and the Mount Fuji 100.
During the race, Dauwalter experienced a moment of levity despite the intense challenge, hallucinating a large flower wearing sunglasses. “The heat was tough, but the cooler weather at night was a relief,” she said. “This race is incredibly challenging.”
This year’s women’s race saw new faces on the podium, with Bruyas battling through the second half to secure second place and Hartmuth finishing strong in third. Dauwalter’s remarkable run from Ouray onwards solidified her lead, allowing her to enjoy the final stretch despite the race’s grueling nature.
The Hardrock 100 remains a testament to endurance and perseverance, with Courtney Dauwalter continuing to cement her legacy as a trail running legend.
Women’s Results
- Courtney Dauwalter, 26:11:49
- Camille Bruyas, 29:28:11
- Katharina Hartmuth, 30:29:12
- Tara Dower, 33:10:55
- Yitka Winn, 33:17:00
