SILVERTON | Dozens of elite runners are competing in the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.

The race began Friday morning in Silverton. The course heads through Telluride, Ouray and Lake City and over 13 mountain passes before ending back in Silverton.

Kilian Jornet of Spain is going for his third straight title. New Zealand’s Anna Frost, the top woman finisher, is also back for this year’s race.

The Durango Herald (https://tinyurl.com/glgr3u2 ) reports that more than 1,500 people applied for the 152 spots in the race and the racers were selected through a lottery. Runners cover 100 ½ miles at an average elevation of more than 11,000 feet.

The top finishers complete it around 24 hours but runners have up to 48 hours to finish.