You couldn’t have asked for a better day to host the final event in Colorado Runner’s Winter Distance Series: the Snowman Stampede 5 mile and 10 mile. The sun was shining, the temperatures were unseasonably warm, and the atmosphere was abuzz with spring fever and running excitement.
Aside from the pristine conditions, the event took place at Hudson Gardens in Littleton, where the course ran along the South Platte River Trail on clear, fast, and flat courses. Plus, the 10 mile race hosted the Road Runners Club of America 10 Mile Championship. The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to shine a spotlight on well-run events and to award top performing runners in the open, masters (40+), grand masters (50+), and senior grand masters (60+) categories for both men and women.
Needless to say, the event attracted a plethora of runners and walkers, including some of Colorado’s best talent. Both the 5 mile and 10 mile events were dominated by Boulder’s Mario Macias, who lead wire-to-wire in both races. 34-year old Macias grabbed the win in the 5 miler in 25:02, as well as the win in the 10 miler in 53:25.
Also placing among the top three in the 10 miler were Steve Chu and Chris Gombeski. 33-year old Chu of Colorado Springs finished second in 55:17, while 29-year old Gombeski of Denver rounded out the top three in 58:17.
In the women’s 10 mile, Hayley Benson was the clear favorite and overall women’s winner in 1:02:59. Coming in second was 38-year old Amy O’Connell in 1:07:46, with 29-year old Annie Poland crossing the line in third in 1:08:28.
The men’s 5 mile race saw Boulder’s Alejandro Jimenez finish second in 25:37. Lakewood’s Andrew Knutsen was third in 28:32.
In the women’s 5 miler, 33-year old Heather Utrata was the clear winner in 30:10, with 33-year old Kristin Louderback coming in second in 31:51. Shannon Kinney of Louisville rounded out the podium in 32:28.