PRIZES & AWARDS

STANDARD AWARDS

The Human Potential Running Series prides itself on continuing a few “old-school” traditions in the sport of ultrarunning. We pride ourselves on equality. We believe that everyone has sacrificed much, and trained as much as their personal situation allows, to be able to join us on race day. We do celebrate the following: 

Finisher’s Awards
Whether you come in first or last, all finisher’s will receive the same unique finisher’s award. At HPRS we do not celebrate 1st-3rd, nor do we celebrate age groups. Heck, we don’t even have a podium! It is an old-school tradition in our sport to celebrate all runner’s as equals and we do that here at HPRS.. unless of course, you finish last…

Dead F*cking Last
This has long been a celebrated finishing position in the sport of ultrarunning. It goes to the individual whose grit and determination to finish a race saw them on the course the longest. For coming in dead last we typically offer a comp entry to a future race, a standard finisher’s award, a unique award, and a bottle of liquor. 

Transcendence Award
The highest honor at HPRS is our Transcendence Award. At each and every event, we’ll select one person to honor as our Transcendence Award Winner. This award will be given to the individual who we feel best embodies the spirit of The Human Potential Running Series. This individual could be the person who is doing the best work on themselves, who has overcome the most adversity, who gives back to their fellow runners within their time at the race, who falters early and rallies for an amazing comeback. This award is all about the spirit within, and the spirit of our community. 

THE ROCK

HPRS may place a rock in a predetermined location out on the course. The first runner who carries the rock across the finish line will receive their choice of $200 in HPRS race credits (via Runsignup.com) -or- a $200 check.

The Rock Fine Print

• Runners choosing to carry the rock do so at their own risk
• The rock weighs 50-70 lbs, is painted fluorescent orange or green with black “$” on it
• The rocks location is chosen by HPRS Staff and could be anywhere on the course
• The rock must be carried across the official course, from the mile it is placed, to the finish. (Ex: If it’s a 50 mile race and the rock is at mile 40, it must be carried the last 10 miles of the course)
• Runners must bring the rock across the finish line unassisted by mechanical advantage (No wagons, sleds, bikes, cars, etc). The rock must be carried, rolled, or dragged by the runner
• $200 in the form of credit is good on Runsignup.com  for HPRS races ONLY and for a time period up to one year from issuance
• $200 in the form of a check will be written the day of the race and must be cashed prior to the end of that calendar year or the check will be voided
• $200 in unique situations, the prize can be awarded as cash.
• HPRS reserves the right to NOT place the rock out at any race, for any reason.

At the end of each calendar year (December), The Human Potential Running Series celebrates two runners as the HPRS “Jim Butera Memorial” ultrarunners of the Year. The recipients of this award will receive a special award/plaque they can display at home or work. Both of these individuals will also receive complimentary race entries to all HPRS events in the year following their receipt of this prestigious award. This award is typically given to the individuals who best exemplify what HPRS is all about in both facing and overcoming adversity, and being someone who gives back through volunteer efforts at HPRS events. We started handing out this award with event year 2019, and have continued the tradition since. Previous winners are listed below

Recipients of HPRS Jim Butera Memorial Ultrarunner of the Year

Glenn Steckler (Telluride, CO)

James Swenson (Nederland, CO)

Kevin Flannery (Arvada, CO)

Doug Bronson (Parker, CO)

Jason Moore (Buena Vista, CO)

-2019-

-2020-

-2021-

-2022-

-2023-

-2024-

Tracy Thelen (Colorado Springs, CO)

Nicole Bosco (Casper, WY)

Rachael Redman (Garland, UT)

Anastasia Rolek (Lakewood, CO)

Rebecca Stevens (Wichita, KS)