The Western State Colorado University Mountain Sports Trail Running Team traveled this past weekend to the epic and rugged trails of Moab, UT for the Moab Trail Marathon, ½ Marathon, and Adventure 5km Races.
The team traveled 18 runners and 4 support staff for what turned out to be a remarkably successful competition. Against 600 other competitors, 4 Western runners toed the line in the National Championship Trail Marathon with Josh Simkins leading the way with a 21st place showing with a time of 3:51:01. An incredible result for the first time marathoner. Freshman Kevin Geisen finished strong with a time of 4:46:17, taking second place in his age group. Senior Conner Jackson posted a very solid 4:57:38 finish time, while running an impressively consistent race. Freshman Will Martinez rounded out the scoring for the Western men by battling through and finishing well.
At the starting line from left to right: Kevin Geisen, Josh Jaeger, Will Martinez and Conner Jackson
Twelve Western runners also competed in the ½ Marathon on a supremely technical course, which included a 1 mile stretch of running through water and beehives in Kane Creek. Sierra Brown, Danielle Sweet, and Shelbie Ralston all finished well in the ½ marathon. On the men’s side, Josh Jaeger, Julian Cullumber, Zach Goering, Charlie Thompson, Bryan Clocker, Sam Ferrara, and Warren Knutson all produced strong finishes on a day with near-perfect weather conditions. Nice work team! Rounding out the racers for the Western Team was Samantha “Bob” Maddox, who put up a strong race and won the women’s 5km event with a time of 39:57. Very impressive for the ‘adventure-race’ nature of this 5km event.
Conner Jackson cruising through mile 18.5
The Western Trail Running Team will now turn its attention to winter training in preparation for a slate of spring time races ranging in distance from 5km to 100 mile! #WesternUp.
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