The Grand-Daddy of all the Human Potential Running Series Races, The Silverheels 100-Mile Endurance Run is second only to Hardrock in average elevation. Starting and finishing in Fairplay, the race has a total elevation gain of over 17,000′ across the 104 mile distance. This year, there were 55 starters and 25 finishers.
The accompanying Last Call 50 Mile went off at midnight, exactly 16 hours after the 100 milers started. The 50 miler also spends the majority of it’s time above 10,000′ feet, gaining and losing over 9,000′ along the way. 56 people started the 50 miler and 41 of them were able to finish.
This year, the event took place as scheduled, all be it with a much different look due to the ongoing coronavirus uncertainty. Each runner was scanned with a temporal thermometer upon arrival. All runners were given a HPRS neck gaiter with their registration and were required to wear it around their neck throughout the event and use it to cover their nose and mouth at the start/finish area and all aid stations. The race start was a rolling start of 20 runners at a time to help maintain social distance on the course.
All aid station workers were required to also wear masks and gloves and the only pour liquid from pitchers into already open participant containers. There was also only single serve items for nourishment at the aid stations.
This past weekend it was a privilege to return to ultra running. We had a complete community effort that made it happen; volunteers, the runners, local jurisdictions. We collectively crushed it to be together again. I can’t thank everyone enough, especially the town of Fairplay, who was instrumental in helping us proceed as planned.
John LaCroix, race director
Below are some photos from the event.
