The new race courses for the Garden of the Gods 10M and 10K didn’t seem to slow anyone down as hundreds of runners took on the distances under cloudy and warm conditions. Known as one of the most challenging road races in the country, the event is also one of the most beautiful.
Not only did the 41st running feature a new course, but it also hosted a new post-race celebration, featuring live music, food, beer and activities for adults and kids alike. After taking on the tough and picturesque races, participants relaxed and celebrated the top finishers.
In the men’s 10M, Gebrekidan Abadi of Aurora bettered his 2016 second place finish by taking the win in a commanding 51 minutes flat. Only seconds separated second and third place finishers Azarya Weldemariam and Nathanael Williams; 38-year old Weldemariam of Colorado Springs finished second in 52:06, and 23-year old Williams of Carson City, NV took a close third in 52:09.
The women’s 10M saw 27-year old Elvin Kibet of Colorado Springs cross the line first in 58:43, with 24-year old Gadise Megaressa out of Albuquerque, NM finishing second in 1:01:59. Rounding out the podium was Gunnison’s Tara Richardson in 1:05:23.
Surprisingly, the top three finishers in both the men’s and women’s 10K races all hailed from Colorado Springs. In the men’s race, 36-year old Adam Rich prevailed, taking top honors in 34:25. Coming in second was 41-year old Andy Rinne in 37:43, with 35-year old Vitaly Stepanov rounding out the top three in 38:16.
In the women’s 10K, 25-year old Caryn Maconi crossed the line first in 46:55, 21-year old Reilly Pieri came in second in 47:47, and 56-year old Nancy Hobbs finished third in 48:19.