Written by Kristina Maxfield
1. Introduction
1.1 Run Organization
2. Runner Information
2.1 Other Reading
2.2 The Course
2.3 The Weather
2.4 Training
2.5 Route Finding
2.6 Fauna and Flora
2.7 Dropping Out
2.8 Cutoff Times
2.8.1 Sacking Out
3. Preparing for Run Weekend
3.1 Schedule of Events
3.2 Accommodations
3.3 What to Bring
4. Crew and Aid Station Protocol
4.1 Do You Want a Crew?
4.2 Parking
4.3 4WD Basics for the Novice
4.4 Giving Your Runner Aid
4.5 Runners in Vehicles
4.6 Drop Bags
4.7 Pacers
4.7.1 "Muling"
4.8 What to Bring: Crew
4.9 Aid Station Menu
5. Medical Hints for Your Crew
5.1 Recognize Your Limitations
5.2 Loss of Consciousness
5.3 Injury
5.4 Serious Injury
5.5 Minor Problems
6. Search and Rescue
6.1 Colorado Search and Rescue
7. Run Week Guidelines
7.1 Detailed Timeline
7.1.1 Wednesday, July 8, 1998
7.1.2 Thursday, July 9, 1998
7.1.3 Friday, July 10, 1998
7.1.4 Saturday, July 11, 1998
7.1.5 Sunday, July 12, 1998
7.2 Aid Station Locations and Cutoff Times
7.3 Sunrise, Sunset Times
8. Contact List
8.1 Run Management
8.2 Area Information
8.3 During the Run
9. Tentative Course Marking Schedule
10. Directions to Crew Access Aid Stations
10.1 Cunningham Aid Station
10.2 Sherman Aid Station
10.3 Grouse Gulch Aid Station
10.4 Ouray Aid Station
10.5 Telluride Aid Station
10.6 Chapman Aid Station
Welcome to the seventh annual Hardrock Hundred! This manual will provide all Hardrock Hundred runners and their crews with information to help in preparing for the 1998 run weekend and the run. Over the past years our run has greatly matured, and we are looking forward to the best run yet. We want to improve all aspects of the run, so please make notes (possibly mark up your manual and send it back) so that is can be improved for next year.
Several sections have been added or altered, based on course changes for this year and as a result of the experience gained in previous years. Thus, even previous entrants
At the center of all run organization are the "Run Directors", Kristina Maxfield and Dale Garland. They have authority for all activities during the run and will ensure it goes smoothly. At all times during the run, one of them can be reached via the Amateur Radio Network, or via telephone (see the Contact List at the end of this document).
Travel in the mountains is difficult - please try to solve problems locally, but contact the RD immediately when local solutions don't seem to be working out. The RDs have final authority on any question that may arise during this event. Prior to the run you can contact them at the addresses or numbers found in the Contact List.
The following are some general notes to help runners prepare. However, nothing can prepare you as well as getting out on the course, and generally becoming familiar with the terrain.
Apart from carefully reading all of this manual, 1 and 2 below are required reading and 3, 4 and 5 are recommended.
1. Course description by John Cappis.
2. Marked Course Map. Careful study of the map will go a long way toward preparing you prior to arriving on the course.
3. Articles form
4. Photo album from last year's run. This will be passed around at the pre-run briefing, and is also available at Charlie Thorn's house prior to the run. In addition, many photos are available on the web.
5. Colorado's Fourteener's by Gerry Roach (Fulcrum, 1992). A climbers book which contains much information on the mountains and mountain safety.
The course starts and finishes in Silverton, as it has in previous years. Because of the Ski Hut fire, the start and finish will be at Michael and Kristina Maxfield's Shop, located in the alley between 14th and 15th streets near the Animas River bridge. The run will go clockwise this year. There are now a few dozen ultra runners who have a good working knowledge of the course. If your are fortunate, you may be able to get one of them to give you their impressions of the run.
Our desire is to maximize the amount of trail and minimize the amount of road. To that end, the 1998 course is similar to that of 1997 with some changes. The route up Handies I substantially changed and follows the east ridge up from Boulder Gulch. Please check your course description for this change. We plan to eliminate most of the US 550 pavement in the last miles into Silvertion. Any additional changes as well as details of the course markings will be announced at the trail briefings. It is the runner's responsibility to understand and follow these changes.
Finally, remember that all parts of the course are subject to change because of presence of snow, avalanche damage, rock slides, or other occurrences. These changes may not be known until the course briefings.
The weather is a dominant factor for this run and is at least as formidable as the terrain, remoteness, or high altitude. It is the general opinion of the run directors that the first fatality we have will be either from hypothermia or lightning! We would rather that there never be a fatality, and so we will continually be giving you warnings, cautions, updates, and suggestions regarding the exposure you must face when attempting this run. The run date is a compromise between other mountain trail runs on the calendar and the weather. There is a period of a few days to weeks each year when the snow is generally gone, but the summer "monsoon" has not yet gotten into full swing - we try to hit this window.
Prepare for any amount of snow! We could even have more snow just before the run. In 1992 we went back to Handies Peak in August, just a month after the run, and found six inches of new snow on the ground! Remember, there have been avalanche fatalities in Colorado in every month of the year except September.
The usual "monsoon" pattern is a daily weather cycle, starting in the morning with blue skies. As the day warms up, thunderheads build up, and around noon intense electrical thunderstorms may commence, continuing until late afternoon or evening, at which time the weather abates until the next morning. The Colorado Mountain Club advises climbers in the Colorado mountains to be off the peaks by noon. Since this may not fit in with your position on the course, you will have to use extreme caution. Always remember that the time limit is 48 hours. The long time limit is not only a recognition of the severe terrain, but also to allow runners to avoid thunderstorms or other life-threatening weather. You can cower in a valley for 2-4 hours and still finish; but if you get fried by lightning your running career may end on the spot. Discretion is the better part of valor. Take comfort in the fact that these thunderstorms are extremely widespread. If you are pinned down, chances are so are the other competitors, so your position in the field will probably not change. Use the time wisely - eat, drink, stay warm, and rest. You will be able to run faster when the storm is past.
You are responsible for being trained well enough to endure these mountains safely. That is why we impose such strict entry qualifications on runners - this is definitely a "post graduate" run, and it would be a poor choice for your first trail 100 miler. However, just because you convinced us to let you run, it dose not automatically mean you are well enough prepared. It is up to you to devise a training program which will get you to Silverton in condition to participate in what can be a very enjoyable experience.
If you can only manage a limited amount of time of the course, we would suggest you pre-run one of the sections with more "exposure" (sharp drop-offs or snow). This will allow you to calibrate your ability to handle heights against this year's actual conditions. Charlie Thorn, John Cappis and others will be in the area ahead of time, finalizing and marking the course. A good way to learn about this year's course is to participate in this process. Contact one of them (see list at end). Attached is a tentative course marking schedule.
This is not an orienteering event. We intend that competitors be able to concentrate primarily on running. However, the remoteness, weather, animal, and people problems on the course make this problematic at best. We will mark the entire course before the run. The flags should be really visible, even to those with red/green color blindness. They proved to be much more impervious to removal and destruction by animals, weather, and man than earlier versions. Markers have reflective tags for night visibility and we will not use glow sticks. On some portions of the route, we will attach colored engineer tape for better visibility.
It is up to you to make sure you stay on course. If we have lots of snow (a distinct possibility every year), it is difficult to place any markers which will remain visible. This is because the run will be at the time of maximum rate of snow melt, as much as 6-12 inches per day! If we mark across a snow field one day, by the next, the markers may have capsized and sunk below the surface due to softening of the snow. There are no trees or rocks visible above the snow in some of these areas, on which to fasten markers.
The map you receive will have the Hardrock course marked on it in permanent waterproof marker. Any last minute changes will be shown at the trail briefing. In addition, we will give you an update at the runner's briefing - expect changes and note them carefully. The map is easily the best ever given out for an event of this kind. It is a 4-color waterproof, tear proof map with everything you would expect to find on the USGS quads, but more, as it has been updated using more recent information. We will have a master map at Charlie's house (1354 Reese St.), starting about two weeks before the run, which we will continue to update as we finalize the course. This map will also be at the runner check in and runner briefing. It will be up to you to modify your map to be consistent with the final course!
The great altitude range of this run (7,700 to 14,000 feet) takes the runner through a great range of climatic zones. At the lower altitude, forest of aspen, pine, and spruce are common. Timberline is locally at about 11,800 feet, though this can vary depending on whether the slope is north or south facing. Above timberline is alpine tundra, low vegetation, interspersed with krumholz (low, stunted pines and willow).
Animal life is abundant. You will almost certainly see elk in the high meadow, possibly with young. Stay clear of elk, they can be ornery at times. Bears (black, not grizzlies) are present, though very seldom seen. Mountain lions may also be encountered. The rule with these critters is to back off slowly, stand tall and raise your arms to appear larger. Try to avoid getting between any animal and its young. If you are attacked, defend yourself - a sharp whack with a stick might discourage the animal - after all, there are plenty of smaller prey animals out there.
While no one likes to contemplate it, there may come a time when it is smarter for you to drop out than to continue. Also, you may miss the cutoff times, or be pulled for a medical reason. While you are likely to be upset at that time, you must let the Race Officials know that you are not continuing. It may be very hard for us to arrange transportation for you from your dropout point to the finish. You may have to wait may hours for this, so please be patient. All we can promise is a best try effort.
Cutoff times will be strictly adhered to. They will be posted at each aid stations, so there will be no ambiguity. The aid station captain is given responsibility to enforce the cutoff times. The following is the rule:
YOU MUST LEAVE THE AID STATION BEFORE THE TIME POSTED
If you want to go and lie on the ground outside the designated aid station boundary, it's up to you, but be advised that your chances of reaching (and hence leaving) any subsequent aid stations before their cutoff times are almost nil. If you "check out" and then come back into the aid station after the cutoff time, you are considered to have abandoned your attempt at the run. We do not like splitting hairs so finely, but wish to prevent past problems from reoccurring. These rules are being made clear to all, so that our aid station personnel (who also get tired and confused late at night) can concentrate on helping runners, and not sharpening their debating skills.
You are all experienced ultra runners. We have developed these cutoff times based on all previous year's results, and they are quite generous. If you miss the cutoff time, your chances of finishing are essentially zero; please try to be mature enough to recognize this. For those aid stations without cutoff times, you are responsible for getting into and departing from the next aid station within its cutoff time.
Do not debate cutoff times with the aid station personnel! Even if you badger one of them into letting you go on, the run directors still have the authority to deny listing you as a finisher. In addition, we may disbar from future runs anyone who disobeys rules and threatens their safety or the safety of the aid station personnel. We have to convince the search and rescue organizations of four counties, as well as the administrations of five separate tracts of federal land, that we are doing what is reasonably possible to make this a controlled event (note we didn't say "safe" event). If they are concerned that we are not taking reasonable steps in this direction, we may lose our permission to put the run on in future years.
If sleeping is part of your strategy for completing the run, you are responsible for providing your own equipment. The sleeping bags and other facilities at the aid stations were brought by the aid personnel
You will be more able to concentrate on having fun on run weekend if you have made all your preparations beforehand. The following notes may help.
Please try to be aware of what is expected of you at all times. See Section 7 for a detailed schedule. If you have any questions about the schedule or this manual, please contact run headquarters.
You will need to arrange accommodations for yourself and crew for this weekend. There is adequate hotel/motel/bed and breakfast/camping accommodations in Silverton and the other San Juan Mountain towns, but the choice is limited so make your plans early. See the list of Chambers of Commerce at the end of the manual.
You will need to figure out what to bring with you, based on your experience and how you intend to run (solo, or with crew). The weather is variable, and you are at high altitude. A good rule is to always take at least one more warm item than you think you will need while standing at the start. The start, and some of the aid stations, are at a relatively low altitude (8,000-9,000 feet) and in sheltered valleys, while most of the run takes place above 11,000 feet in exposed areas above timberline. Temperatures and wind conditions can be markedly different up there and temperature can drop dramatically when the sun sets. Think in terms of being stuck - if you are forced to spend extra time out in the weather, you will be much better off if you have carried extra clothing or a space blanket to help you keep warm. Don't take the attitude that "I won't get stuck" - it could be beyond your control, such as an avalanche or rock slide blocking the trail. A misstep, resulting in a twisted ankle could mean a long, slow painful limp into the nearest aid station, possibly in a hail storm. Hypothermia can be a killer, especially on tired bodies with no reserves left for generating heat.
PARTIAL GEAR CHECKLIST
Wind/rain suit Warm-up suit Dark glasses Flashlights/Whistle Running pack Gloves Running hat/cap Emergency blanket Spare batteries & spare bulb Water bottles Sun block Extra drop bag gear Clothing for rain and temperatures below 30F (0C)
We are guests in the National Forest and BLM land through which we run. We have to share this land with other users so that we may all safely enjoy our weekend in the mountains. The following guidelines were prepared to help your crew if you decide to have somebody meet you around the course.
Please consider carefully if you really want to have a crew for this run. It is different from all the other 100 milers, as travel in the San Juan Mountains is extremely difficult and dangerous, even in daylight and under good conditions. At night, in a snowstorm, even an experienced 4WD driver may be risking his/her life on some of the aid station access passes. Avoiding 4WD sections means, first that your crew is in for some long drives (over 100 miles to get from Ouray to Sherman, for example), and second that they will not be able to meet you at some aid stations. Also, crew access is not allowed at some aid stations - this is part of the challenge of the run. Finally, aid is not allowed to be given to runners between aid stations. Any runner who takes aid where he/she should not, may be disqualified. We will try to make sure that, with the available aid station supplies and your drop bags, you will be able to compete without worrying about a crew.
This is not to say that we don't want your crews to enjoy the mountains - far from it. Part of the reason for coming to the area is to get up into the high country, but we would prefer that people do it without the pressure of trying to beat runners to the next aid station, trying to meet schedules, etc. A good way to be involved is to volunteer to help at an aid station. We could always use more hands, as some of these aid stations are going to be open a long time. Contact Lisa Richardson (see list at the end of this manual) if your crew would like to do this. They will be better able to follow your progress, as each aid station will be connected with ham radio to all the others.
In some instances, parking is scarce, particularly if it is roadside parking. Please be considerate. Remember there are many 4WD drivers on these roads in the summer, and some of these vehicles are quite large. Make sure all road sections, switch backs, and intersections can be safely negotiated by other vehicles. Cooperate with posted signs and with aid station personnel if they ask you to move your vehicle.
4WD off-road vehicles are a necessity for reaching some parts of the course, and in any event much safer on mountain roads. They may be rented at a number of locations in the area. Advance reservations are recommended.
If you are unfamiliar with 4WD in general, or your particular rental vehicle, make sure you get adequate instructions from the rental agency before venturing out into the back country. In particular, check the location and operation of all equipment needed to change a flat.
You may only give aid to a runner within 400 yards either side of those aid stations at which crew access is allowed. If you get to an aid station early, submit your crew pass to the aid station captain to have access to your runner's bag. Locate your runners drop bag, open it and check the contents, and set them out ready to be used.
Runners are not allowed to take a ride in a vehicle where it advances their progress or compensates for runner error. If they do, they are considered to have abandoned their attempt at the run. They will not be allowed to continue, and if they do, they will not be listed as finishers, and risk being barred from entry in future runs. Runners may, after checking into an aid station, rest and get warm in a STATIONARY vehicle. Once you have checked out of the aid station you may not return to the vehicle. If you do so, you will be DQ!!!
Runners are allowed to provide seven drop bags. These are made up by the runners and we will transport them to Cunningham, Sherman, Grouse Gulch, Ouray, Telluride, Chapman, and the Finish Line.
An aid station representative will pick these up at the designated location on Thursday after the runners briefing and transport them to the aid station locations. After use, make sure any recoverable items are packed in the bag and that others are properly trashed. Place the bag in a single location for transportation to the finish line.
Pacers are allowed to accompany runners from Grouse Gulch to the finish. Any runner over 60 years old may have a pacer for the whole distance. Pacers may meet their runner to pace them only at CREW ACCESS AID STATIONS. Pacers are not allowed to start pacing a runner at non-crew access aid stations.
A RUNNER MAY HAVE ONLY ONE PACER AT A TIME.
Pacers MUST check in at the aid station and provide their names, before heading off with their runner. This is to ensure that we know how may people are out on the course at all times. REMINDER: Pacers are responsible for getting themselves to and from aid stations. Vehicles are NOT allowed at non-crew access aid stations. All pacers must fill out a pacer release form.
While the old hardrock miners were invariable accompanied by a pack animal to carry supplies, Hardrock Hundred pacers are supposed to be more for moral support than for physical. The Hardrock was developed as a test of the
It is just as important for your crew to bring adequate gear for their own safety and comfort as it is for the runners. The weather is variable and you are at high altitude. Also, you may be up all night and possibly out in the open, depending on your task. We will have enough problems taking care of the runners - let's not have to evacuate crews! To help you, here is a partial list of items you might put on your list:
GEAR CHECKLIST FOR CREWS
Poncho or rain suit Warm-up suit Dark glasses Day backpack Flashlight Spare batteries & spare bulb Water bottle Pen and paper Sun block Hat Gloves Parka or vest Dry change of clothes Snacks/meals Fluids Book/magazine to read This manual Colorado Hiking Certificate (Search & Rescue insurance)
The following is the minimum that we plan to have at most aid stations. Some aid stations have more than the standard fare.
Oatmeal packets Sandwiches Pretzels Potato chips Chicken & beef bouillon Hard candies Cookies Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate Sports drink Soup Bananas Soda crackers Coca-Cola products Water
The aid stations at Pole Creek, Engineer Pass, and Virginus Pass will have a limited supply of aid because they are not accessible by any vehicles.
If you are out and about during the run weekend, whether supporting your runner, or merely spectating, you may come across a runner in serious difficulty. The following guidelines are similar to what we give to our aid station volunteers, and may be of use to you, should this situation arise.
The cardinal rule when providing first aid is to not hesitate to get help when you realize you cannot provide what is needed. Communications with medical personnel is your first requirement when dealing with a sick or injured person. All aid stations are equipped with a first aid kit and ham radio. When you realize you need help, get to an aid station where they can offer first aid and get additional help via the ham radio system.
If you are confronted with a person who is unconscious or semi-conscious, do not attempt to feed them or give them anything by mouth - they can aspirate or breath it in. GET HELP, then keep the victim warm and place them on their side if no further injury is suspected.
If someone is injured, but can get to the next aid station, either get them there or make sure they are warm and tell the aid station crew where the person is so they can go and help. If the person's injuries are such that they cannot be moved, do your best to keep the person warm and get help from the nearest aid station as soon as possible.
If someone is badly injured, do not move them, as you can do more harm than good. GET HELP FROM THE NEAREST AID STATION AND KEEP THEM WARM.
Most medical problems you will see will be minor: sunburn, blisters, sprains, abrasions, and fatigue. You also will see in the later stages of the run, runners who are extremely depleted in sugar and dehydrated. They usually will be extremely fatigued, nauseated, and vomiting. It is best to have them lie down, get them warm, and try to get them to take sips of sugared and salted drinks. Do not let them go on if they are confused or disoriented. Again, get advice from a medical person if in doubt.
Again, common sense approaches are the best. Use your instincts and experience, but when in doubt, keep the victim warm, do not move if seriously injured and ALWAYS GET HELP FROM THE CLOSEST AID STATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Unfortunately, it may become necessary for you or your crew to interact with search and rescue organizations. If so, the following guidelines are provided.,
In Colorado, each county handles it's own search and rescue because there is no state-wide organization. In the four counties we go through, each sheriff's department is responsible for any S&R call-out in their county. They will call out volunteers, EMTs, etc., as appropriate. Please do not activate S&R yourself. Contact run headquarters and we will contact the appropriate persons.
Note that each county is responsible for their own costs of conducting such operations. If they are unable to recover the costs from the person whose life is saved, it can be quite a burden on the county. This year the Hardrock Hundred will be purchasing every runner a Colorado Hiking Certificate (search and rescue insurance). A portion of the fee for each certificate is used to pay for search and rescue operations. This may not pay for all of the costs of a complex operations, but at least the county will get something, and it does not have to come from your pocket - you are, after all ultimately responsible. It is highly recommended that crews and pacers purchase a Colorado Hiking Certificate. These can be purchased at OutDoor World in Silverton for $1.00.
For information you may go to Charlie Thorn's house at 1353 Reese St. Things will be going on during the two weeks leading up to the run, but runner activities really begin on Wednesday evening. Check on the weather conditions and latest predictions before leaving town.
The following sections describe what the planned program is for each of the four days which form the core part of the activity. We are going to be working hard the two weeks or so before the run, finalizing and marking the course, and taking care of last minute details, however, no detailed schedule has been developed. If you are involved with these activities (or would like to be) coordinate with the appropriate person (Kristina, John, Charlie, or Dale). The course marking schedule is attached. Contact Charlie if you want to participate in the trail marking.
When What Where 12:00-16:00 Runner check-in School Gym-Reese St. 16:00-18:00 Trail briefing - Long Version Miners Union Theatre
When What Where 08:00-11:00 Runner check-in School Gym, Reese St. 12:00 Mandatory final run briefing School Gym, Reese St. 14:00 Volunteer briefing Maxfield's Shop 15:00 Drop bag deadline Maxfield's Shop
When What Where 04:00 Breakfast Local restaurants 05:00 Mandatory runner checkin Maxfield's Shop 06:00 Run starts! Maxfield's Shop
When What Where on-going Still busy/info available Maxfield's Shop
When What Where 06:00 Last runner arrives Maxfield's Shop 07:00 Runner status summary-S&R? Maxfield's Shop 09:00 Awards banquet/ceremony School Gym, Reese St. 12:00 End of runner activities
Location Access Distance Facilities Crew Cutoff
(miles) Access Time
Silverton-Start Auto 0.0 RDFWM Yes
Cunningham Auto 9.2 RDFW Yes Fri 12:25
Maggie Gulch 4WD 16.6 RFW No Fri 15:00
Pole Creek Hike 22.1 RFW No None
Sherman Auto 31.7 RDFWM Yes Fri 19:35
Grouse Gulch Auto 42.0 RDFW Yes Sat 01:15
Engineer Hike 48.2 RFW No Sat 04:00
Ouray Auto 57.5 RDFWM Yes Sat 08:00
Governor Basin Auto 64.7 RFW No Sat 11:00
Virginius Pass Hike 67.9 RW No None
Telluride Auto 73.2 RDFWM Yes Sat 15:05
Chapman Gulch 4WD 82.3 RDFW Yes Sat 20:35
Kamm Traverse 4WD 89.1 RFW No Sun 01:10
Putnam Basin Hike 95.1 RFW No None
Silverton-Finish Auto 101.3 RDFWM Yes Sun 06:00
Facilities: (R)adio, (D)rop bags, (F)ood, (W)ater, (M)edical
RUNNERS MUST DEPART THE AID STATION BY THE CUTOFF TIME
July 10 July 11 July 12
Begin Astronomical Twilight 04:05 04:06 04:07
Begin Nautical Twilight 04:48 04:49 04:50
Begin Civil Twilight 05:26 05:27 05:28
Sunrise 05:57 05:58 05:59
Sunset 20:34 20:34 20:34
End Civil Twilight 21:05 21:05 21:04
End Nautical Twilight 21:44 21:43 21:42
End Astronomical Twilight 22:26 22:26 22:25
Moonrise 21:24 22:08 22:48
Moonset 07:02 08:04 09:09
Fullness 99% 95% 89%
The following is contact information for the run organizers. If you have questions regarding lodging or area facilities, please see the next section.
Kristina Maxfield Dale Garland
Run Director Run Director
PO Box 55 1826 CR #240
Silverton, CO 81433 Durango, CO 81301
(970) 387-5887 (w) (970) 259-3693
(970) 387-5833 (h) ddmb@frontier.net
silvertonfire@juno.com
Lisa Richardson Gordon Hardman
Aid Station Director General Gofer
P.O. Box 685 3994 Promontory Ct.
Silverton, CO 81433 Boulder, CO 80301
(970) 387-5811 (303) 939-9334 (h)
sardine@frontier.net geh@crosslinkinc.com
John Cappis Charlie Thorn
Course Director Train Marking Director
1600 S. EADS Apt. 1023N 4501 B Ridgeway
Arlington, VA 22202 Los Alamos, NM 87544
cappis@bigfoot.com (505) 662-2397 (h)
(505) 665-0724 (w)
thorn@lanl.gov
OR
1354 Reese St.
PO Box 55
Silverton, CO 81433
While you are in the area, plan on spending a little extra time enjoying the many summer activities. For help in planning your stay in the San Juans, here are some helpful contact addresses:
SILVERTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 565
Silverton, CO 81433
(970) 387-5654
LAKE CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 340
Lake City, CO 81235
(970) 944-2527
OURAY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 145
Ouray, CO 81427
(970) 325-4746
1-800-228-1876
TELLURIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PO Box 653
Telluride, CO 81435
(970) 728-3041: general information
1-800-525-3455: lodging
If you need to get hold of someone during the run, the single point of contact is the Run Director: Kristina Maxfield or Dale Garland. They may be reached at the Start/Finish area, at the phone numbers given below. DO NOT call their home phone numbers - you will just annoy their families and they are not there!
Finish Line Phone Number (970) 387-5833
Also please note: NO DOGS will be allowed at the Start/Finish line this year.
This schedule is subject to change. For additional information, contact Charlie Thorn.
Marking and surveying the Hardrock course will be strenuous and provides participants the opportunity to acclimate, as well as see the course frist hand. Runners not familiar with the course are strongly advised to participate. All the participants are responsible for their own equipment, food, etc. These efforts will usually be full day affairs of hiking and running, and will be conducted at a fast pace, so be prepared.
Below is the tenative schedule for surveying and marking the 1998 Hardrock Hundred course. All interested runners and crew are invited to participate in all or portions of the effort. Although transportation for each day's efforts MAY be available, none is promised. The general plan is to meet at Charlie Thorn's house in Silverton, 1354 Reese St., at 7:00 am each day, unless otherwise stated. From there, we will go to the course section to be worked that day. Because the schedule may change based on course conditions or personal quirk, persons interested in working on the course should coordinate the schedule the day before with Charlie in order to be sure the schedule is accurate. Charlie's house will serve as the course marking coordination point.
Date Course Section Captain Comments
Sat 6/27 Bear Creek (Silverton)-KT C. Thorn Begin at noon
Sun 6/28 Sherman-Grouse Gulch C. Thorn 4WD to Sherman, leave vehicles
Mon 6/29 Maggie-Sherman C. Thorn Pick up cars at Sherman
Tue 6/30 Chapman-KT C. Thorn car shuttle
Wed 7/1 Arrastra-Cunningham-Buff. Boy C. Thorn car shuttle
Thu 7/2 Engineer Pass-Bear CR Tr C. Thorn
Fri 7/3 Backup
Sat 7/4 Backup
Sun 7/5 Telluride-Virginius J. Cappis Simultaneous mark
Virginius-Governor C. Thorn and meet on V. Pass
Mon 7/6 Telluride-Oscar's-Chapman J. Cappis Start from Telluride Town Park.
Tue 7/7 Backup
Wed 7/8 Governor-Ouray-Bear Cr. TH R. Trujillo Variable on RT's whim
Silverton-Arrastra C. Thorn
Thu 7/9 Remaining road sections J. Cappis
Rope Mineral Creek C. Thorn
Rope Uncompaghre River R. Trujillo
Fri 7/10 Rope Virginius C. Kroger
Sat 7/11 Strip course
Sun 7/12 Strip course
Except where otherwise noted, these directions are for finding the aid stations if you start in Silverton.
Auto. Take State Road 110 NE from Silverton 5 miles to Cunningham Gulch or follow the signs to the Old Hundred Mine Tour. Just after crossing the Animas River Bridge at Howardsville, turn right (S) on the county road toward Stony Pass. At 2 miles, DO NOT turn left to Stony Pass but instead angle right (SW) toward Highland Mary trailhead. At about 2 miles, note the corral on the right (W). Go about 30 meters beyond the corral (S) to a large clearing. The aid station is in the clearing between the road and the creek.
4WD. Take State Road 110 NE from Silverton to Animas Forks (~11 miles), and continue on county roads over Cinnamon Pass (~15 miles). Signs mark the road turns. From Cinnamon Pass, continue east toward Lake City approximately 15 miles to the Sherman turnoff. You'll know you're close to the Sherman turn when the road becomes significantly better at the bottom of the shelf road. Look for the BLM sign that faces Lake City. On the Sherman road, turn sharply right (W) one mile to the BLM latrine and Cascade Creek trailhead, where the aid station is located.
Alternate 2WD from Lake City From Lake City, take SR 149 south to the turnoff to Lake San Cristobal road. Turn on the Lake San Cristobal road and continue past the lake to where the pavement ends. Continue on CR 30 about 14 miles to signed turnoff to Sherman. Go one mile to the BLM latrine and the Cascade Creek trailhead, where the aid station is located.
Auto. Take State Road 110 NE from Silverton about 10 miles to sign stating Picayune Gulch. Just before the Animas River Bridge, turn left (NW) onto a dirt road. The aid station is on the flats southwest of the bridge and close to the main road.
Auto. Take US 550 over Red Mountain Pass to Ouray and north through most of the business district to the hot springs swimming pool. The aid station will be set up near the restrooms in the park southwest of the pool and adjacent to the asphalt running track.
Auto. From the Court House on Main Street in Telluride, go east to Willow Street. Turn right (S) on Willow Street and go about half block and turn left (E) in front of the blue condos (Muscatel Flats). You are in a parking lot. At the east end of the parking lot, cross the San Miguel River foot bridge and follow the sidewalk to the aid station at the permanent canopy in the Telluride Town Park.
4WD from Silverton. Take US 550 west from the south end of Silverton. Near MP 75, turn west onto the Ophir Pass Road. This intersection is marked with a large green sign. Take the dirt road to Ophir Pass (11,800'). The road becomes noticeably rougher and steeper on the two mile descent to the aid station at the Blixt (Oscar Pass) Road. Although rougher roads exist in the San Juans, this section is not for the faint of heart. The aid station is on the right (N) of Blixt Road, which is the second right hand turnoff below the Chapman Gulch stream crossing.
Alternate 2WD from Telluride. Exit Telluride on Main Street and go west about 3 miles to SR 145. Turn left (S) and go about 10 miles to the Ophir Pass road. This intersection is marked with a green sign. Turn left (E), passing through the hamlet of Ophir, taking care not to lose your muffler on the speed bumps. As you leave Ophir, note a number of new houses as the road enters aspen forest. About a mile from Ophir, cross (if you dare - no bridge) the creek flowing in from the north. Continue east about one quarter mile to the old red mine dumps. Go about 0.3 miles east, uphill on lousy road to the aid station set up on the left (N) side, just above the Blixt Road to Oscar Pass. This last 0.3 miles may not be passable in your street car.
This manual written by Kristina Maxfield
This page last altered on 5/11/99 by Blake P. Wood, bwood@lanl.gov
This page administered by Stan Jensen, stanj@run100s.com
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