Just a few short months ago, Colleen was diagnosed with inoperable stage III pancreatic cancer. Many of you knew her as the purple lady. Purple was her favorite color and the color of the clothing she wore at the race so that runners would more easily recognize her. She met with runners throughout the race, gathering their stories and sharing them in her full report to Ultra Running Magazine each year.

Colleen had no official position with the race but did many things that helped make this race special for so many runners, including snail mailing photo's to each and every finisher she captured with her tiny disposable camera. We are thankful that she is no longer suffering but she will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. When available, details will be posted here on funeral arrangements.