2011 Race Report

Congratulations to all participants!!!

Based upon reports from you all as well as from our volunteers, this year’s event, seems to have been another great success. 

The weather for the CPTR can and often is quite unpredictable & fickle.  On the “wetter”, “colder“, “more interesting” end of the range, were two 3-4FT snow dumps seen in 1999 and then again in 2001.  On the warmer, drier, spectacular-views end of the spectrum pretty have been, well, year’s like this one! Temperatures started in the low 30’s and warmed quickly under clear, crystal blue skies, to the lower- to middle- 70’s by afternoon.  Winds remained primarily light – just enough to cool folks under those sunny skies – particularly the 50 milers enjoying their second loops throughout the afternoon. 

As was the case last year, this year’s level of registrations was the largest in this event’s history. It was also great to again see 1) so many first timers to our event (as high as it’s ever been) and 2) the number of folks who indicated that they were tackling their respective distances for the first time.  Thank you all, especially, for choosing our race as your first ! As always, based upon recognized names and my own visits with folks throughout Friday afternoon and in the Pre Race Meeting, there appeared to be a wonderful cross section of runners – including seasoned, competitive runners across the board to those nervous, perhaps less experienced, first timers.  It’s a mix that we’ve enjoyed seeing each year of this event’s history – and a mix that we very much appreciate. 

With such a large field, the level of competition seemed to have again been “ratcheted up” just a bit.  While we didn’t see the number of course records produced in 2009, we did have one notable new record set – and a number of runners get pretty close to a variety of records. 

While all results and records can be seen on other pages of this web site, and while all results are truly remarkable, it’s fund to mention a few highlights…. 

25 Mile Race:  While we know that “Young Guns” (20 somethings – and even younger) are making headlines throughout the trail running world, this year, for the Men, the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups accounted for eight of the top ten spots!  Overall winner was Brian Ream (35) of Boulder with a time of 3:19:47.  For the Women, things were kind of the same – with the 30-39 and 40-49 age groups accounting for eight of the top ten spots – and one of the top ten spots represented by the 50-59 age group! Melody Fairchild (37), also of Boulder, who won this distance last year (just 28 seconds shy of the course record), won again this year with a time of 3:32:54.  Way to go ladies! 

50 Mile Race: For the Men, while there were close finishes and competition throughout the day, a standout finish for the day was reflected in the 1st Place finish by Ryan Burch (31) of Fort Collins (formally of Gunnison) Ryah set a blistering new course record of 6:37:10!.  Ryan’s’ amazing time bested recent course records – those set first by Anton (“Tony”) Krupicka in 2007 with a time of 6:53:18 and then Andy Henshaw’s record breaking time last year of 6:52:57!  Well done Ryan! For the Women, well known runner Darcy Africa (36) of Boulder proved victorious – crossing the finish line in 7:59:19 – just 51 seconds off of the current course record set by Helen Cospolich in 2009.  Way to go Darcy! 

As remarked above, in the end, you are ALL to be congratulated – regardless of “Place” or “Time”.  Training and participation in the event are what you should take pride and satisfaction in!  And we thank you for supporting our event – and thereby, in turn, assisting us in supporting the needs of the youth in our community. 

Hope to see everyone again next year – and bring your friends along!  In the meantime, see you on the trails. 

Burke Kaiser 
Race Director - CPTR