Hardrock 100: The High-Altitude Hundred
Hardrock 100 is the most demanding 100-mile trail race in America — a 100-mile loop in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with ~10,000 m of climb, an average elevation above 3,300 m, and a 48-hour cut-off. The course crosses 13 major passes above 3,600 m.
The small field, the altitude, the technical terrain and the remote mountain setting make Hardrock a cult event — harder to enter than to finish, in the famous ultra saying.
Date verification: Dates for the next edition have not yet been officially announced. Hardrock 100 is traditionally held in July — check the official website for confirmed dates.
Distance categories: 100 miles (~161 km) · 48-hour cut-off
Elevation gain: ~10,000 m ascent / ~10,000 m descent
Entry: Entry via a lottery restricted to runners who have completed a qualifying 100-mile race. The field is small. See the official website for current qualifying races and lottery rules.
The Course and Entry
The loop starts and finishes in Silverton, crossing the San Juan Mountains via 13 passes above 3,600 m. Runners "kiss the Hardrock" (a painted stone) at the finish. The direction alternates clockwise/counter-clockwise each year.
Entry is via a lottery restricted to runners who have completed a qualifying 100-mile race. The field is intentionally small. See the official website for current qualifying races and lottery rules.
Frequently asked questions
- How far is the Hardrock 100? 100 miles (~161 km) with about 10,000 m of climb in the San Juan Mountains, Colorado, at an average elevation above 3,300 m, with a 48-hour cut-off.
- How do I enter Hardrock? Complete a qualifying 100-mile race, then enter a lottery. The field is intentionally small. See the official website for current qualifying races.
- When is Hardrock 100? Traditionally held in July. Dates for the next edition have not yet been officially announced — check the official website.
Mount Toubkal Treks — A high-altitude mountain objective at a more accessible scale.