Once again, the American Trail Running Association (ATRA) was present at one of the classic trail races in the state of Colorado to kick off the trail running season, the Run Through Time Marathon & Half Marathon, in the picturesque mountain town of Salida. One never knows what weather the participants will face but the temps were in the high-40s at the start which cleared to a beautiful sunny Colorado “winter” day shortly after, treating runners to epic views on some of the most spectacular Salida Mountain Trails and the surrounding snow-capped peaks of Monarch Mountain.
This was the 13th running of the Marathon, Half Marathon and 2 Mile Fun Run supported by Chaffee County Running Club and at the helm was new race director, Kristy Falcon. With key support from local businesses and organizations Amicas Pizza, Salida Mountain Sports, Wood’s Distillery and Salida’s new running specialty store and new ATRA corporate member, 7000 Feet Running Company, this race has huge support of the local community, making it favorite amongst trails runners from around the state.
Photo by Dan Flanders.
Past Salida resident and women’s half marathon winner, Sandi Nypaver, put it best, “The Run Through Time races might seem like just another trail race, but anyone who spends some time in Salida and runs the trails knows it’s a special place to run.”
Falcon echoed the community aspect, stating, ”I think what’s awesome about this race is the support from the community for the past 13 years. Salida has changed during that time, the race course has changed, but the community involvement has always been, and continues to be, really important to the success of the race.”
In the marathon, local Salidan Shannon Daileader Jones (4:24:56) defended her marathon title from the previous year with Julie Berteletti (4:30:53) taking the runner-up spot and Sara Omamn (4:35:23) coming in at the third position. Multiple-time men’s marathon winner, Timmy Parr, again took the title in 3:19:34, with Frank Pipp (3:2615) and Marcel Such (3:28:33) taking the second and third place positions, respectively.
Photo by Dan Flanders.
In the half marathon, local legend, high school coach and founder of the National High School Trail Championships, Kenny Wilcox captured the win in 1:37:17 over second place Thomas Zirbel (1:41:02) and Pikes Peak’s Barr Camp caretaker, Jonathan Lantz (1:44:10), rounding out the top three. The women’s half marathon witnessed Sandi Nypaver extend her winning streak in 1:49:44. Ruth Waller followed closely behind in 1:51:18 with Courtney Nohr (1:55:17) taking the last podium position.
The competition always draws some of the top mountain, trail and ultra runners from around the state, even if they are not racing all out or merely spectating. As was the case with Team Colorado superstars: Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run runner-up and SCOTT Sports athlete Alex Nichols and HOKA one one athlete and SAGE Coaching founder Sage Canaday. Nichols, who is a local landowner sums the experience up well when he said, “Salida is just a fantastic town! This race is really just an excuse to have a good time and explore the trail system. The only thing that rivals the trails in Salida are the fantastic restaurants and breweries in town.”
Can’t get enough Peter Maksimow and Alex Nichols? Check out their Western States or Bust series of videos on our YouTube channel.
Alex Nichols tearing up the Salida trails. Photo by Peter Maksimow.
More photos by Daniel Flanders are here.
Photos by Tim Bergsten & PikesPeakSports.us can be found here and here and here too!
More photos by Peter Maksimow/ATRA are here.
Complete race results are posted here.
