Ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter, 41, overcame severe stomach problems during the night to set a new women's clockwise course record at the Hardrock 100, one of North America's most demanding mountain races.
The Hardrock 100 covers 100 miles through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado at extreme altitude, with over 33,000 feet of elevation gain. Dauwalter finished in 24 hours and 17 minutes, breaking the previous women's clockwise record. The clockwise direction starts at Silverton and circles the mountains in that direction, making it distinct from the counterclockwise route.
Dauwalter battled gastrointestinal distress throughout the race's overnight section, a common challenge in ultrarunning where the combination of intense effort, altitude, and prolonged exertion disrupts digestion. Despite nausea and the physical toll of stomach issues during a 24-hour effort, she maintained her pace and mental focus through the race's most difficult hours.
"It was really hard," Dauwalter described her experience, acknowledging how the stomach troubles tested her resolve when fatigue and discomfort compound in the darkness of an ultra-distance race.
Stomach issues in ultrarunning often stem from diverted blood flow away from digestion during intense exercise, difficulty absorbing calories and fluids, and the stress placed on the gastrointestinal system during extended efforts. Experienced ultrarunners develop strategies like taking smaller nutrition amounts more frequently, adjusting their food choices, and practicing their fueling strategy during training runs.
Dauwalter's record demonstrates both athletic capability and mental toughness. Breaking a course record requires not just speed but managing the unpredictable challenges that emerge across 24 hours of mountain running. The Hardrock 100 remains one of ultrarunning's