With four locally and nationally organized cycling and running events behind us and the Olympics ahead, there is reason to reflect upon the nature of people and sport. The Durango-Silverton Iron Horse Bicycle Classic celebrated its 44th year in May, the 22nd annual Bicycle Tour of Colorado and 35th annual Race Across America rode through Cortez and Durango in June, and the 25th Annual “Wild & Tough” Hardrock Endurance Run wrapped up last weekend starting and ending in Silverton. These historic events, 50, 359, 3,000, and 100 miles, respectively, wind through the San Juan Mountains taking two hours to two weeks to complete. They are dominated by pure grit and muscle and produce superb acts of athleticism, unbridled community spirit and the mettle of the old hard rock miners. To paraphrase Wallace Stegner, they create “a society to match the scenery.” We could use more of this.
The sportsmanship displayed in this year’s Hardrock 100 by Killian Jornet and Jason Schlarb, the men’s first place co-finishers, is a reflection of the men and the mountains that inspire them and a lesson to all. Sportsmanship captures the ethos with which Jornet and Schlarb ran and finished the race. They were co-finishers because after running for almost 23 hours they chose to finish together running hand-in-hand to kiss the finishers’ rock.
Jornet had already made his mark setting the record for running the course in both directions in prior years. Schlarb was having a great time running with Jornet. Jornet said the glory of winning is not what motivates him. He loves the land and people — runners, pacers, crew members, aid station volunteers, and race directors — and the act of sharing the experience with others. In his personal sportsmanship, Jornet emulates some of the race’s values — honesty, integrity and professionalism — and a sense of fellowship. These traits are also shared by Anna Frost, the women’s champion for the second consecutive time, who was wearing running shoes that said “run happy, be kind.” These athletes have something to teach us about hard work, winning and losing, humility and respect, especially now.
A shared sense of suffering can also bring out the best in people. Anyone that has participated in these events knows the courage and determination they require. True sportsmanship is a model for our times.
