Under Armour 2017 Mountain Running Series: Copper Mountain, CO

Gathering 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

50K Winners

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

Marathon Winners

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

Half Marathon Winners

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

Vertical Challenge Winners

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

10K Winners

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

5K Winners

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