Route: Western States 200 (CA)

I'll be starting at Squaw Valley with an estimated start time of 5am on Friday, October 8th.  

The attempt is will rely on cooperation from Mother Nature with the changing weather patterns in the area that should reduce the wildfire smoke and air quality, providing me with a window to give this route a clear attempt.

I live in Davis, CA so I've been able to train on the WS course over the past few years, covering many parts of the 100-mile trail in sections. As an ultra-runner, I've completed the Tahoe 200 twice (2017, 2019), three 100-milers and several 50-mile and 50k races. 

For this attempt, my crew includes my wife and son, and my crew chief is a good friend and highly accomplished ultra-runner knows the course well as a three-time Western States 100 finisher. He'll be helping me with some pacing, crossing the river and coordinating the rest of my pacing and support crew throughout the effort.

I expect to take anywhere from 72-84 hours, depending on conditions.

Clarification on the above comment – 

I'll be starting at Squaw Valley with an estimated start time of 5am on Friday, October 9th.

This is a supported run.  

Hey FKT Enthusiasts, 

I submitted an identical format to Western States 200, but for Hardrock. Since running the course both ways is already considered an accomplishment there, as it alternates directions each year it seems like a grand challenge. The editors decided not to accept it, because it seemed to similar to the race, which is fine. But if you have found your way here, and read this far, I would imagine you are the type who might be interested in this challenge. So, without the possibility of tagging your name to an official FKT as of now, here you go!

Submitted by Jason Hardrath… on Sat, 10/15/2022 - 01:27pm

Route Name: "The Hardrocker" - Hardrock 200

Distance - 205 mi

Vertical Gain - 67,000 ft

Description

"Hardrock" is a globally iconic course and world class 100 mile race. It has been contested in top form by generational talents like Jim Walmsley and Kilian Jornet. Each year the race director alternates the direction the course is run, people argue over which directions is faster. But a top honor within the Hardrock community is becoming a "True Hardrocker" by officially finishing the race under the 48 hour cutoff in each direction, on different years.

Jamil Coury has a film out romanticizing this very undertaking over the course of 5 years of completing the race titled "True Hardrocker"

This FKT and challenge packages this multi-year journey into a single push outside of the race - to become a Hardrocker - in other words this is the "Hardrock 200" or "Hardrock Yo-Yo".

First things first, the Hardrock 100 benefits local students through the Joel Zucker Memorial Scholarship. As of 2022, this has supported local students with over $247,550 in scholarship support. If you are going to attempt this FKT in their space, please strongly consider supporting their community.

Donations are recommended since a portion of the race fee normally benefits these students, do good for the places you FKT!!!

Now, on to the details...

Hardrock course at a glance [and you get to do this twice, once each direction]

• "100-mile run with 33,197 feet of climb and 33,197 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 66,394 feet with an average elevation of 11,186 feet - low point 7,680 feet (Ouray) and high point 14,048 feet (Handies Peak)." - from Hardrock 100 website, now multiply all those numbers by 2.
• The cutoff is 48 hours. Therefore, each direction should be finished in under 48 hours for an FKT attempt to count.
• You must go once in each direction. Each in 48 hours. If you finish your first lap faster, it earns you some rest before starting your return.

Here is a Caltopo Map for planning and course gpx files.

"True Hardrocker Challenge" one could take on this challenge without gunning for the FKT, the challenge being: complete a continuous push each direction of the Hardrock 100, beating the 48hr cutoff each way.  If you are attempting the challenge or succeed at the challenge, please post links to strava and your report in the comments below!

Since this not done during the race you will not have the advantage of course markings but will still be expected to stay on course, if you deviate, you must return to where you left the course then continue.

Here is a Caltopo Map for planning and course gpx files.

First Double Hardrock, First Known Time, and inspiration: Peter Bakwin

Peter Bakwin, one of the founders of Fastest Known Time, was also the first to ever accomplish this task - before and during an actual running of the race - though you do not have to.

He was supported both directions and his times were as follows

• First lap (counter-clockwise) - 41hrs 22min
• Rest time (before race start) - 6hrs 38min
• Second lap (clockwise, race) - 42hrs 50min
• Total FKT time = 3days, 18hours, 50min 

Peter's time is well documented and should be considered the time to beat, he should also be considered the inspiration for both this challenge and this FKT route.

Resources and history:

Conditions report

Peter Bakwin's double report

course directions 2022 - https://hardrock100.com/files/course/HR100-2022-CW-Course-Description.pdf

https://footprintsonthecourse.wordpress.com/2021/08/11/fulfilling-a-dream-becoming-a-hardrocker/ 

https://www.onxmaps.com/backcountry/blog/soft-rock-100

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MVA8OwtDes - Jamil Coury

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o54Egb3z3Lg - Jim Walmsley

skim through the legacy of Hardrock