SAN JUAN COUNTY, Colo. — For the first time since 1995, the legendary Hardrock 100 ultramarathon in the San Juan Mountains has been canceled due to snow.
The race, which draws some of the top ultrarunners in the world, was slated for July 19. It was also canceled in 2002 due to fire danger, according to its website.
“Due to historic snowfall, avalanches, avalanche debris, an inability to reach certain aid stations and uncertain conditions on more than 40% of the course, the 2019 Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run has been canceled,” an Instagram post from the race reads.
Photos shared by the account show a large amount of snowfall on the race’s 100 mile course, which features 33,050 feet of climbing and 33,050 feet of elevation loss. It starts and ends in Silverton, and links the Lake City, Ouray and Telluride areas. The high point is Handies Peak – a 14er.
The race’s motto is wild and tough, and runners are told on the website to be prepared for snow, avalanches and ice. This means the notoriously difficult race isn’t canceled for just any reason.
“This decision, while difficult, adheres to our overall commitment to land stewardship and the safety of the Hardrock community,” the race’s Instagram post about the cancellation read.
Runners can either ask for a full refund or defer their entry to 2020’s event.
Photos shared by the race’s Instagram account show just how much snow is on the course:
Snowpack in Colorado is at its highest level since 2011 – and is measured at roughly 511% of normal as of this writing.
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