Trail running is a sport that thrives on adventure, risk, and the beauty of natural landscapes. But for one runner, a trail race turned into a life-altering event when he fell 200 feet down a rocky slope during a competition. Against all odds, he survived. His journey through the fall, recovery, and return to running is a story of resilience, meticulous emergency planning, and the incredible support of the trail running community.
This is the story of Stuart Terrill, a University of Richmond graduate assistant coach and collegiate trail champion, whose harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of trail running—and the strength it takes to overcome them.
The Accident: 200 Feet of Terror
In late June 2023, Stuart Terrill competed in the Cirque Series’ Snowbird Mountain Race, a high-altitude, fast-paced trail running event in Utah. Known for its steep, technical terrain and jaw-dropping ridgelines, the race demanded precision and confidence on every step.
For much of the race, Terrill felt strong, holding his own against a competitive field. But as he descended a rocky slope near Hidden Peak, his foot slipped on loose gravel, and the unthinkable happened.
"I was running downhill, and the next thing I knew, I was tumbling," Terrill recounted. "It felt like time slowed down. I couldn’t stop myself."
Terrill fell an estimated 200 feet, crashing into rocks, shrubs, and dirt. When his body finally came to a halt against a boulder, he was alive—but gravely injured.
The Immediate Response
Terrill’s survival can largely be attributed to the emergency response plan carefully implemented by the Cirque Series race team.
Race director Julian Carr emphasized the importance of meticulous safety protocols, which included:
Safety Maps: Distributed to all EMTs, volunteers, and the Snowbird ski patrol to ensure accurate navigation in emergencies.
Pre-Race Planning: A detailed safety briefing was conducted before the event, involving a Safety Director, a Wilderness Medicine lead, and Snowbird’s ski patrol team.
Strategic Positioning: EMTs and ski patrol were stationed at key locations, including Hidden Peak, to respond quickly to any injuries.
Within minutes of Terrill’s fall, EMTs and the ski patrol arrived at the scene. Despite the severity of his injuries, their rapid response stabilized him and ensured his safe transport to the hospital.
"We pride ourselves on being prepared for major and minor medical injuries," Carr said. "Our teams acted efficiently, just as we train."
The Injuries and Recovery
Terrill’s injuries were severe but remarkably survivable given the circumstances. He suffered:
Broken ribs
Extensive cuts and bruises
Multiple fractures in his knees
No concussion or brain damage, despite smashing his face against rocks during the fall
After spending two weeks in the hospital, Terrill returned home to Virginia to begin his long road to recovery.
Rehabilitation: A Slow and Steady Climb
Terrill’s recovery journey was painstakingly slow, requiring:
Two full knee immobilizers for four weeks, followed by a single knee brace for an additional eight weeks.
A back brace for six weeks to protect his spine and ribs.
Physical Therapy: He focused on doctor-prescribed rehab, starting with slow walks to rebuild strength and mobility.
The first time Terrill attempted to walk a mile, it took him 40 minutes. "It was the slowest mile of my life," he said. "But I felt so proud. It gave me a new respect for movement."
The Trail Running Community Steps Up
The trail running community, known for its close-knit camaraderie, rallied around Terrill during his recovery. Race winner Max Allen, a fellow runner from Salt Lake City, visited Terrill in the hospital, even though the two had never met before the race.
“There’s something special about runners,” Terrill said. "Even in competitive environments, there’s this sense of mutual respect and support."
Carr and the Cirque Series team also stayed in touch with Terrill’s coach, tracking his recovery and sending him a get-well-soon package.
A New Perspective on Life and Running
Terrill’s fall wasn’t just a physical challenge—it gave him a new outlook on life.
"I used to take running for granted," he admitted. "I complained about little injuries. But this experience gave me a new appreciation for being able to walk, let alone run."
Eleven weeks after the accident, Terrill took his first steps back to running—on an Alter-G anti-gravity treadmill in a controlled rehab environment. He remains determined to rebuild his strength, with plans to resume competitive cross-country racing in his final year of NCAA eligibility at Wake Forest University in 2026.
Lessons Learned: Safety in Trail Racing
Terrill’s story highlights the inherent risks of trail running, particularly on steep, technical courses like those found in the Cirque Series. But it also underscores the importance of safety planning and how thoughtful race management can mean the difference between life and death.
Safety Measures in Trail Races
Race organizers like Carr go to great lengths to mitigate risks for participants:
Trail Maintenance: Regularly maintaining trails to prevent hazardous conditions.
Safety Officials at Cruxes: Placing volunteers and EMTs at critical, high-risk sections of the course.
Emergency Response Teams: Having trained medical staff and ski patrol on standby.
Open Communication Lines: Providing clear communication protocols for reporting injuries or emergencies.
These measures are not only best practices but often required to obtain race permits. Carr emphasized that his team’s preparation ensured Terrill received emergency care quickly.
The Big Question: Is It Worth the Risk?
For Terrill, the accident has forever changed his relationship with mountain running. While he plans to continue competing in trail races, he admits that high-altitude, technical mountain races might no longer be on his radar.
“I’ll stay on flat ground,” he said. “Even seeing pictures of people running on cliffs freaks me out.”
Still, Terrill hasn’t lost his love for the sport. He’s considering a return to less technical trail races, such as the Fountainhead 10K trail race in Virginia, where he won his second consecutive collegiate title just months before his accident.
A Story of Survival and Gratitude
Stuart Terrill’s incredible survival and recovery are a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of safety protocols, and the support of the trail running community. While his fall was a stark reminder of the dangers inherent to trail running, his optimism and determination to return to the sport are inspiring.
“I’m grateful to be alive,” Terrill says. “This experience has taught me to appreciate movement, the outdoors, and life itself.”
And for Terrill, whether he’s racing or simply running for fun, one thing is certain: the trails will always be a part of his story.
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