Over 1,300 runners and walkers took part in the 10th Annual Santa Stampede 5K and 10K Saturday morning at Hudson Gardens in Littleton, CO. The event is the first of three in the Winter Distance Series, hosted by Colorado Runner. Each race runs along the Platte River trail, with the majority on flat and fast sidewalk. This year’s conditions saw a relatively clear course, with some ice and snow patches along the way. Additionally, runners competing in the 10K were vying for the Colorado State 10K Championship, hosted by the Road Runners Club of America.
A stacked field toed the line for both the 5K and 10K distances, with course records being set across both the women’s and men’s races. The most notable performances of the day were Heather Utrata, who not only doubled but took the win in both the 5K and 10K, a well as 10-year old Alayna Szuch’s second place showing in the 5K, finishing in 18:19. Check out the day’s results below.
The men’s 10K race saw 25-year old Tanner Christensen of Kansas take top honors and set a new course record in 32:51. Coming in second was Monument’s Kenneth Foster in 33:29, with 44-year old Dave Scudamore rounding out the top three in 35:12.
In the women’s 10K, Heather Utrata of Greeley grabbed the win in 38:12, setting a new course record in the process. Littleton’s Hayley Benson came in second in 38:46, with 30-year old Malia Crouse hot on her heels, crossing the finish line in 38:49.
The men’s 5K saw a new course record set by 23-year old Jason Kearns in 15:35. Adam Rich of Colorado Springs was second in 16:04, and 49-year old Bob Weiner rounded out the podium in 16:50.
For the women, Heather Utrata set a new course record in 17:50. 10-year old Alayna Szuch surprised the field with a 18:19 finishing time. Master’s competitor Roxane Geisler crossed the line in 18:37, good for third.