An ULTRA Heart
Her Legacy Will Live On in Runners Across the Globe
Elaine tragically passed away on Friday, July 11, at 10:27 AM while competing in the Hardrock 100-mile ultramarathon in Colorado. It is a devastating, unexpected loss—one that has left an emptiness not only in our hearts but in the entire running community. Even Runner’s World took the time to honor her presence, sharing the news that ultimately reached me here.
She absolutely treasured life. Running was her passion, her ministry, her way of connecting with the world. Elaine competed in ultra-distance races around the globe—trail and road alike—and ran countless marathons across the U.S. Her recorded ultra-resume is breathtaking, but does not include all of her accomplishments. Along the way, she built community, forged friendships, and offered support to anyone she possibly could. She carried a generous heart. She gave freely, lived her faith as a God-fearing woman, and taught us all what it meant to show up for others.
She was a mother to three beautiful daughters and two loving dogs who will surely miss their mother’s care and devotion. Beyond family, she was a mother-figure, mentor, and incredibly close friend to me. Elaine was my very first personal training client. We immediately bonded, spending over four years preparing for ultramarathons, building strength, endurance, and even boxing together. Our shared love of movement, resilience, and those many miles built something lasting.
Elaine was, in every way, the inspiration behind starting our Run Club. Her belief in community and movement laid the foundation for City Sweat Club’s mission: to move people, to serve people, to do good. She showed me what was possible when you invite others in. She showed me what it means to keep going.
And let us keep in mind—Elaine would have been an absolute menace on the runway. Her fashion? Iconic. But her spirit? Even more so. This hurts deeply. It’s hard to find the right words for something so painfully unexpected. But if there’s anything I know for certain—it’s that she will live on in every rep and every step we take together as a community.
— Gab
