Hardrock Uncovered is Ultra Uncovered's exclusive interview series leading into the 2026 Hardrock Endurance Run, bringing you inside the stories, preparation, and mindset of the athletes taking on one of ultrarunning's most iconic races.

In Episode 7, we sit down with Jimmy Elam as he prepares for his long-awaited Hardrock debut after nearly a decade of patiently waiting for his opportunity.

Known for seeking out many of the sport's classic mountain races, Jimmy shares why Hardrock has always stood apart. After earning a coveted special selection, he made the difficult decision to pass on a Western States opportunity and instead devote his entire season to preparing for the San Juan Mountains.

Jimmy reflects on spending more than a month living and training in Silverton, his intuitive approach to training without rigid schedules, and why he's more interested in mastering the mountains than chasing data. He also shares his passion for trail running footwear, the reasoning behind his race-day shoe choice, and the mentors and local community who have helped him prepare for one of the toughest 100-mile races in the world.

It's a conversation about curiosity, patience, and embracing the challenge of a race that can never truly be mastered.

Stay tuned as Hardrock Uncovered continues with more athlete conversations leading up to race weekend and please give us a follow and review if you're enjoying the coverage!