CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESGathering at Copper Mountain resort in Colorado surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks and the beginning colorful hints of changing autumn leaves, racers lined up for the final event in the 2017 Under Armour Mountain Running Series. After successful events at Mt. Bachelor, Oregon then Killington, Vermont, the third and final event began Saturday morning with a 50K.
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Trail runners tackling the 50K, and looking for ultimate punishment on the mountains surrounding Copper Mountain, experienced over 7,300 feet elevation gain maxing at 12,030. But that wasn’t the only race on the trails. Under Armour planned a breadth of race lengths for all ages. And even one dog crossed the finish line leading his human.
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Participants chose from the 50K, a marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K or the vertical challenge with slopes up to 68 degrees. No matter the distance, runners experienced challenging, steep terrain at no less than 9,700 feet elevation, which in itself is taxing on the lungs. Up hills, through trees, along ridges with spectacular views—it was a beautiful weekend for runners pushing themselves and spectators cheering them on.
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
After the races were complete, winners were presented with awards, and participants enjoyed a well-deserved beer and relaxation in the crisp mountain air. The third and final event in the Under Armour 2017 Mountain Running Series was also a success. This is the first year for this UA event, but there’s already talk of 2018. We hope to see Under Armour and trail running junkies alike at Copper Mountain next year.
Check out the winners of each race below, and go to Under Armour’s Mountain Running Series website to see more about the three events and to keep an eye on what’s being planned for 2018.
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Course: 31 miles; 7,346’ elevation gain; 12,030’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Mario Mendoza | 4:20:13 | First | Taylor Nowlin | 5:05:12 |
| Second | Ryan Phebus | 4:26:51 | Second | Brandy Erholtz | 5:26:31 |
| Third | Brett Hales | 4:30:06 | Third | Margaret Lane | 6:06:22 |
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Course: 26.2 miles; 6,478’ elevation gain; 12,045’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Phillip Whiting | 5:12:01 | First | Ewelina Pena | 6:22:11 |
| Second | Clint Brown | 5:35:18 | Second | Maria Walberg | 7:43:20 |
| Third | Russell Hill | 6:05:15 | Third | Francesca Tronchin | 8:13:03 |
Course: 13.1 miles; 3,239’ elevation gain; 12,045’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Gavin Coombs | 1:47:12 | First | Abby Levene | 2:04:31 |
| Second | Matt Tomasko | 1:59:27 | Second | Holly Kelleher | 2:08:50 |
| Third | Brian Johnson | 2:03:39 | Third | Jill Sorensen | 2:14:09 |
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Course: 0.77 miles; 819’ elevation gain; 11,886’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Bryan Kerl | 13:26 | First | Lanie Szuch | 14:24 |
| Second | Matt Tomasko | 14:03 | Second | Jessica Cygan | 18:14 |
| Third | Ben Corwin | 14:40 | Third | Alexandra Jacobson | 20:58 |
Course: 6.2 miles; 1,757’ elevation gain; 10,786’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Troy Triplett | 47:30 | First | Tracie Rupert | 1:05:09 |
| Second | Sam Benecke | 53:30 | Second | Jade Eaton | 1:06:17 |
| Third | Andrew Kamei | 56:10 | Third | Jennifer Arbuckle | 1:07:22 |
Photo Credit: Myke Hermsmeyer
Course: 3.1 miles; 983’ elevation gain; 10,256’ max elevation
| Male Winners | Female Winners | ||||
| First | Calvin Cofield | 26:46 | First | Rebecca Greenwall | 32:26 |
| Second | Joe Van Bolderen | 30:20 | Second | Shelby Barrett | 36:45 |
| Third | Beau Demmler | 32:03 | Third | Laine Swierkosz | 40:54 |
All photos courtesy of Myke Hermsmeyer
