A 60-year-old Michigan woman died while running an ultra marathon in Colorado, officials said.
At 9:02 a.m. MDT on Friday, July 11, emergency responders received a Search and Rescue call about a runner receiving CPR on Little Giant Trail in San Juan County, Colorado, during the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run (also called the Hardrock 100), according to a release from Silverton Medical Rescue.
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The rescue team took 4x4 backcountry roads and “hiked a 1/4 mile up a steep, rugged, remote trail” to get to the scene. A helicopter medical team and the San Juan Sheriff’s Department also responded.
When they arrived, they took over resuscitation efforts on the victim, who was identified as Elaine Stypula, a 60-year-old from Michigan.
Despite their efforts, Stypula was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m.
“I want to extend my condolences to the family, friends and community of Elaine Stypula,” said Keri Metzler of the San Juan County Colorado Coroner’s Office.
The official cause of death hasn’t been released.
“Silverton Medical Rescue is fortunate to have a team of skilled rescue professionals. We support the community, our visitors and each other even on the most difficult calls,” Michael Burton, Incident Commander of this search and rescue call for Silverton Medical Rescue, said in a statement.
The 102.5-mile race began at 6 a.m. on Friday, July 11, and includes “33,197 feet of climb and 33,197 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 66,394 feet, at an average elevation of over 11,000 feet,” according to the race’s website. On the loop course, participants run on 4x4 roads and dirt trails in the San Juan Mountains.
“We are deeply saddened to share that a beloved member of our Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run family has passed away during this year’s event. Our hearts are with their family, friends, and fellow runners as we grieve this tremendous loss,” race organizers said in a statement.