News Summary
Elaine Stypula, a 60-year-old family law attorney and ultramarathoner from Novi, died during the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run in Colorado. Stypula collapsed just three hours into the race, which is known for its challenging conditions. Despite the swift response from emergency services, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Stypula was an accomplished athlete with numerous endurance challenges under her belt, and her death is a significant loss to the running community. Friends and fellow runners plan to honor her memory with a run in Novi.
Novi, Michigan – Elaine Stypula, a 60-year-old family law attorney and seasoned ultramarathoner from Novi, died on July 11 while participating in the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run in Colorado. This event is known for its extreme elevation changes and demanding terrain, and unfortunately, Stypula’s participation ended in tragedy.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Department responded to a search-and-rescue call shortly after 9 a.m. on July 11 when reports of CPR in progress were received. Stypula had collapsed only three hours into the grueling race, which is infamous for its challenging conditions.
Emergency responders quickly mobilized, traveling via 4×4 off-road vehicles before hiking a quarter-mile up a steep trail to reach her location near Gold Lake on the Little Giant Trail. Despite their efforts, resuscitation attempts by medical teams were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at 10:27 a.m. The San Juan County Coroner confirmed her identity, but the cause of death is currently undetermined.
Stypula was an accomplished athlete, known for her dedication to sports and endurance challenges, having completed multiple Ironman triathlons and participated in a variety of adventure races and mountain climbing expeditions. She frequently tackled ultramarathons, which are races extending beyond the traditional 26.2-mile marathon, often set in extreme conditions.
Her social media presence, particularly on Instagram, featured her athletic achievements, including conquering summits such as Mount Rainier and participating in races across locations like South Africa and Denali, Alaska. Stypula’s diverse athletic pursuits illuminated her skills and commitment to her sport, inspiring many in the running community.
In a public demonstration of grief and remembrance, her daughter, Anna Rose Sebring, expressed heartfelt sorrow on social media, emphasizing her mother’s indomitable spirit and the support she consistently offered to those around her. Stypula was remembered not just for her athletic prowess but also as a figure who deeply touched the lives of her family and friends.
The Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is notorious for its physical demands, featuring a total elevation change of 66,394 feet and an average elevation exceeding 11,000 feet throughout its 102.5-mile course. The race’s extreme conditions elevate the risks involved and pose challenges for even the most seasoned participants. Despite this, race organizers expressed profound sorrow over Stypula’s untimely death, reiterating their commitment to the community and the sport.
Friends and fellow runners in the Novi area expressed their intentions to honor Stypula by organizing a run originating from Nike Detroit off Woodward Avenue. Their efforts reflect how her passion for running inspired and connected fellow athletes within the community.
According to the public information officer for the San Juan County Colorado Office of Emergency Management, the conditions on the day of the incident—weather and course conditions—did not contribute to Stypula’s collapse. Thus, the precise cause of her death remains a poignant mystery as the community mourns the loss of a beloved athlete and legal advocate.
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Additional Resources
- Free Press: Novi Attorney Dies During 102 Mile Colorado Race
- WXYZ: Novi Mom Athlete Dies After Collapsing During Ultra Marathon
- MLive: Michigan Runner Dies While Competing in 100-Mile Colorado Ultramarathon
- CBS News: Novi Attorney Dies in Colorado
- Detroit News: Michigan Woman Dies While Participating in 100-Mile Endurance Run
- Wikipedia: Ultramarathon
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
