Pristine racing conditions set the stage for the 11th Annual Greenland Trail Races. The event featured a 50K, 25K and 8 Mile, all of which circumvented the trails within the Greenland Open Space just south of Larkspur, CO. Over 800 participants – newbies and veterans alike – took to the dirt-packed trails under scattered clouds and temperatures in the mid 60’s.
The conditions allowed for some fast times to be set, but the performance of the day goes to 33-year old Hayley Benson of Littleton, who smashed the previous women’s course record in the 50K. Previously set in 2012 by Salomon athlete Kerrie Bruxvoort, Benson bested the 3:51:25 by almost 10 minutes, finishing second overall in 3:41:31.
Regardless of the distance, participants were treated to a relaxed post-race celebration complete with food, drinks, pizza and beer. Awards were given to the top three male and female finishers in each race, along with Runners Roost gift cards for the top three in each respective age category. Additionally, the 50K played host to the Road Runners Club of America Western Region Ultra Championship.
Read on to find out how other top finishers fared across the three race distances.
The men’s 50K saw previous champ Peter Maksimow of Manitou Springs lead wire-to-wire, grabbing the win in 3:18:55. Coming in second was 34-year old Christopher Gregory in 3:50:31, with 46-year old Scott Swaney rounding out the top three in 3:55:38.
As previously mentioned, pro triathlete Hayley Benson finished second overall and first for the women in 3:41:31. Second place belonged to 39-year old Kaija Staley in 4:16:41, with Julie Olsen-Smith of Lone Tree finishing third in 4:20:45.
The 25K saw almost 300 participants, with the men’s top finisher Scott Spillman coming close to breaking the course record.
Spillman grabbed the win in 1:36:05. Finishing second was 40-year old Tim Hola in 1:43:22, with 22-year old Kory Skattum not far behind, coming in third in 1:44:41.
In the women’s race, 25-year old Brittney MacDonald took top honors in 2:00:42. Blair Bucklin of Lafayette was second in 2:03:18. Rounding out the podium was 24-year old Meghan Winters in 2:08:22.
The men’s 8 mile saw Matthew Kempton dominate the field, taking the win in 47:25. Coming in second was current course record holder Andy Ames in 50:04 (52-year old Ames set the CR in 2006 in 46:33). Finishing third was 43-year old Gerald Romero in 51:36.
Women’s 8 mile champ Sarah Pizzo took a commanding lead and never looked back. Pizzo won the race in 52:37. Ashley Corn of Denver crossed the line in second in 56:03, with Elizabeth Carey finishing third in 57:13.
Video interviews with Peter Maksimow, Hayley Benson and Scott Spillman are provided by Tim Bergsten, Pikes Peak Sports.