Events

While Hardrock is generally referred to as an "Endurance Run", and while it is very much that, each year there is unavoidably a competitive component to the event as well. Having been a part of the event five of the last seven years as crew/pacer, I definitely appreciate the community-oriented vibe that the Hardrock Board has so assiduously cultivated over the years; it's a huge…

"Hardrock".  The name evokes the unique aura of this challenging event.  The 21st running of Hardrock is July 11-13; let’s consider what makes it so special, mysterious, and, indeed, legendary. (NOTE:  The Author of this post is Peter Bakwin, who in 2006 began 48 hours before the race, ran the entire course, then did the regular race with the rest of the runners, finishing that…

UD ambassador Ethan Veneklasen sheds light on the upcoming Western States 100 Race. It is just 3 days until the big dance. This annual pilgrimage to Squaw Valley brings together the top trail runners from around the globe. WS100 has been called the “Tour de France of ultrarunning”.  For most, the goal is simply to finish within the 30 hour time limit. For others, the coveted…

"In the High Country" will be a new kind of mountain film featuring Anton Krupicka. Filmed and Produced by Joel Wolpert with the support of Ultimate Direction, this won't be the usual running film - no "loneliness of the long distance runner" - "High Country" will take you where you've never been before. Anton Krupicka's running has evolved from roads to trails to mountains and now…

I was fortunate enough to achieve many of my adventure running ambitions in 2012 (including three outings that were so good that I am determined to repeat them in 2013: the Ten Mile Range Traverse, the Glacier Gorge Traverse in Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park, and Gannet Peak IAD (in-a-day) in Wyoming), though I was just beginning to realize the potential for fun that exists when one…

In one month the Signature Series will be released. This unique series of three hydration vests is being really well received.  And why not?  It was designed by three of the best ultra runners in the world! Retailers ordered the entire initial production run before manufacturing was finished. Working with these Athletes was great.  Other company's should do this as well: just ask the best…

The tribe has gathered; the race starts at 6 am tomorrow.  Considering only 140 entrants are allowed (by Forest Service Permit), this event is remarkably impactful on the sport of ultrarunning.  Here are some stray thoughts. I walked up to Karl Meltzer, one of the best 100 milers ever, and who has the course record in one direction (Hardrock is a loop, which alternates direction).…

THE MEN'S COURSE RECORD ... Kyle Skaggs left his indelible print on the event in 2008, when he blew away the course record by over 2 1/2 hours. Just four years previous, the race was won in 30:39 - Kyle did it more than 7 hours faster, and remains the only person to go under 24 hours. So how did he do that? Kyle was…

The Hardrock 100 mile race was started to honor the hard rock miners of the San Juans and the extraordinary mountains in which they lived and worked. The course is incredible – 33,992' of of elevation gain, with an average altitude of 11,186', including climbing over a 14,000' mountain - which is often done in the middle of the night, sometimes during a lightning storm. The…