Hardrock Philanthropy

The Hardrock Hundred is committed to providing long-term relationships with the communities that are part of our event. We strive to foster this relationship through effective communication, economic opportunities and openness to the needs and concerns of the towns involved with the Hardrock Hundred. The Hardrock Hundred is also dedicated to becoming a source of financial and administrative assistance to those communities. This assistance will be offered as we become economically viable and open to those in the community who have helped us reach our goals.

In the spirit of helping community groups and organizations which were adversely impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and the cancellation of Hardrock 2020, Hardrock established a Community Grant Fund. Awardees include:

Joel Zucker Memorial Scholarship

The Joel Zucker Memorial Scholarship awards college scholarships to Silverton and other San Juan communities' high school seniors who have volunteered at the run. Scholarships are also available to former recipients who are continuing their undergraduate education. Students must apply in writing and be interviewed to qualify. Contact for details.

Congratulations 2023 Scholarship Awardees! A record $43,000 is being awarded in 2023, thanks to all of our generous donors.

High School Graduates:

  • Jinx Citrine - Silverton HS
  • Paton Edwards - Silverton HS
  • Selene Rhoades - Silverton HS
  • Kharis Weller - Silverton HS
  • Katelyn Cunningham - Lake City HS
  • Jaden McNeese - Lake City HS

Continuing Education:

  • Daniela Acosta
  • Raja Braford-Lefebvre
  • Claire Cunningham
  • Emelie deKay
  • Jaydyn Gallegos
  • Ian Hall
  • Bennett Levine
  • Belen Roof
  • Caroline Thompson
  • Molly Wright

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2023: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2022: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2021: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2020: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2019: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2018: THANK YOU!

Download the announcement flyer and contributor list for 2017: THANK YOU!

Download Press Release for the 2016 Recipients

Joel Zucker loved Silverton, the San Juan Mountains and running the Hardrock Hundred. He died in 1998 after completing his third consecutive run. He was 44 years old and boasted of being in incredibly good shape when he succumbed to an aneurysm only 36 hours after he finished his last Hardrock Hundred, apparently the result of untreated high blood pressure. Joel's quirkiness is still legend among old-timers. He described himself as a short, Jewish, stuttering librarian from upstate New York. He inspired many others to achieve their goal of running a hundred miles. Always at the back of the pack and usually finishing within minutes of the 48-hour cutoff, Joel said he liked to get his money's worth. His good humor is missed but his legacy lives on in this scholarship that honors the memory of an incredible soul.

Money is raised through donations from runners, volunteers, family members and vendors associated with the Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run. Since 1999 138 scholarships have been awarded totaling $288,050 have been awarded.

Donations are Appreciated!

Donate Online

If you'd prefer to mail in a check, make it out to "Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado" and make sure to enter "Joel Zucker Scholarship" in the memo line. Mail it to:
Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado
PO Box 1673
Durango, CO 81302

We are happy to let you know that contributions to the Joel Zucker Memorial Scholarship ARE tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. The Community Foundation serving Southwest Colorado tax number is 84-1474900.

For more information and to request a scholarship application, please email

Joel Zucker Memorial Plaque