First Snow Arrives for Coal Creek
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Photography By Brightroom.com, Bernie Boettcher and RunningGuru.com
The tenth anniversary Coal Creek XC Challenge on October 19 featured wintry conditions with temperatures in the 30s and overcast skies. With the area’s first light snow the day before conditions were not optimal for road racing, but perfect for cross country running. It could have been in northern England in December…but no complaints from any of the 123 participants that showed up. Tommy Manning, last year’s second place overall finisher,
led the field with a 31:55 finish. When asked what it was like out on the 5.72 mile course, 33-year-old Manning remarked, “I thought it was great. The creek wasn’t very deep and not too cold this year. So it wasn’t too bad because it was step, step, and you were out. I liked it better this year because the cold weather made it a little bit tougher to race. The tall weeds after the creek crossing made it tougher too. But I like tough races.” Colorado Springs’ Manning and Boulder’s Pete Remien ran together much of the early part of the race, and made the turnaround with Fleet Feet’s James Johnson. According to Remien, “I did steeplechase in college and hurdled the creek and only got one foot a little wet. [Then Manning took the lead right after the creek crossing as] “we waded through the weeds and then it was definitive on the hill. It was the first time I had done this race, I had no idea!” Remien finished second place in 32:16. James Johnson was the third place finisher in 33:05. Rob Mandje, the 2008 Coal Creek X-C winner, finished in fourth place this year. According to Mandje, “The result wasn’t as good for me as last year. My training is actually further ahead of last year’s but I just didn’t get it right today. Perhaps I’m still feeling a little bit of the travel, having just recently returned from a trip home to Europe. All in all, it was great to be out there again competing with the good runners and against the course’s obstacles. I hope to return next year and give it another go!” Former Boulder High School and University of Oregon standout Melody Fairchild was the first woman finisher in 35:53. According to Fairchild, who now lives in Nederland, “It was awesome. The downhill coming back was great because it helps to get your speed back after the field. There was a fun crowd, it was well organized, and a great community event. Even on a cold day everyone felt taken care of.” Lori Walker of Henderson, CO finished second behind Fairchild in 37:13. Maia Bogert was third woman overall in 37:48. Ian Monk was the first place racewalker of the entire course in a time of 1:17:50. Fleet Feet Sports Boulder donated $500 in prize money
The race leaders fight for $500 in prize money. for the top three overall, top two Masters (40-49), and top two Grand Masters (50 and over) male and female finishers. For the first year, the race was an event in two race series - the Fall Cross [Country] series and the in the 2009 Colorado Runner magazine race series. - Bruce Kirschner CMRA Coal Creek XC Challenge Louisville, CO October 11, 2009 122 Finishers - Timing By: Colorado Masters Running Association - Elevation: Start/Finish = 4,115’ Course Records: Unknown Overall Male: 1. Tommy Manning, 31:55; 2. Peter Remien, 32:16; 3. Nicholas Cady, 32:38; 4. Rob Mandje, 32:55; 5. James Johnson, 33:05. Masters (40+): 1. James Johnson, 33:05; 2. Keith Johnson, 34:39; 3. Clint Boston, 35:52. Grand Masters (50+): 1. Steve Gallegos, 35:23; 2. Kyle Hubbart, 37:00; 3. David Wheeler, 37:09. Seniors (60+): 1. Dave Dooley, 39:07; 2. Steve Joyce, 43:49; 3. Jeffrey Dumas, 44:36. Overall Female: 1. Melody Fairchild, 35:53; 2. Lori Walker, 37:13; 3. Maia Bogert, 37:48; 4. Jennifer Cubilla, 38:21; 5. Lesia Atkinson, 38:28. Masters (40+): 1. Jennifer Cubilla, 38:21; 2. Lesia Atkinson, 38:28; 3. Lisa Goldsmith, 39:03. Grand Masters (50+): 1. Ellen Rickert, 51:52; 2. Ping Dou, 52:23; 3. Marijane Martinez, 55:34. Seniors (60+): 1. Stephanie Wiecks, 50:34; 2. Patricia Tolleson, 59:27.
February 20, 2010 Colorado State University Fort Collins, CO All runners get the following: - long sleeved shirt - free pancake breakfast - beautiful course through CSU Registration is available at: - active.com - Runner’s Roost Fort Collins - Foot of the Rockies - John XXIII Parish
www.john23.com January/February 2010
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