Ludovic Pommeret (FRA) set a new men’s course record at the 2024 Hardrock 100 Endurance Run, cementing his legacy as a premier athlete in ultra-trail running.
He works in Geneva, Switzerland, and began ultra-trail running in 2009, has a decorated history in the sport. His achievements include top finishes in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, the 90-mile TDS race, and the Diagonale des Fous race.
Pommeret, the 2016 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc champion, will turn 49 in nine days, yet he showed no signs of slowing down. Sponsored by Hoka and hailing from Prevessin, France, Pommeret took control of the race early, pulling ahead of fellow Frenchman François D’Haene, the 2021 Hardrock champion. From that point on, he maintained his lead, progressively surpassing the course record splits set by Kilian Jornet in 2022. He finished in 21:33:12, three minutes faster than Jornet’s previous record of 21:36:24, set in the clockwise direction.
A Memorable Day
On Friday, July 12, 146 runners started the 2024 Hardrock 100, tackling the “easier” clockwise direction of the course with its 33,000 feet of elevation gain. Favorable weather conditions—hot during the day but no storms—set the stage for potential record-breaking performances.
The men’s race had an early disappointment when Zach Miller, last year’s Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc runner-up, had to withdraw due to an emergency appendectomy. Despite this, Miller attended the event, supporting participants and handing out fastnachts (Amish donuts) to spectators.
The race saw another dramatic moment when D’Haene, surrounded by his family, dropped out at the Animas Forks aid station (mile 58) due to illness. This left the path open for Pommeret and the other leading runners.
By the time Pommeret departed from the 43.9-mile Ouray aid station, he had a 45-minute lead over American runner Jason Schlarb and Swiss runner Diego Pazos. His split at the 12,800-foot Engineer Pass (mile 51.8) extended his lead to over an hour.
An Intense Start
Silverton, Colorado, was bustling at 6 A.M. on Friday as 146 runners lined up for the Hardrock 100. As they set off, their caution was evident, reflecting respect for the grueling challenge ahead. Early in the race, a group led by D’Haene, Pommeret, Pazos, and Schlarb took the front.
By the time Pommeret reached the KT aid station at mile 11.5, the lead pack was established. As temperatures soared, Pommeret was right on Jornet’s record pace upon reaching Telluride (mile 27.7). D’Haene was close behind, setting the stage for an intense competition.
Pommeret Takes the Lead
Pommeret continued to widen his lead, and by the time he reached the 80.8-mile Pole Creek aid station at 10:44 P.M., he had shocked observers with his pace. Though he slowed slightly in the final 20 miles, he maintained a substantial lead.
Pazos overtook Schlarb for second place before Pole Creek and finished in 24:39:33, with Schlarb taking third in 24:48:16. Schlarb celebrated by waving an American flag after kissing the rock at the finish.
At the finish line, Pommeret kissed the ceremonial rock, completing the course at 3:33 A.M. local time. The race officials recorded his official time as 21:33:12.
“It was my dream to win it,” Pommeret told a small group of fans and media. “I was just waiting for a nightmare to happen, but it never did. Thanks to my crew and all of you. This race is incredible, wild, and tough.”
