Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Claire Hecklinger #11057 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Start Carries Through a Steady Marathon Fade Claire Hecklinger finished the 2026 Boulderthon Marathon in 4:36:43. She opened fast, clicking off her first mile in 8:28 and holding times in the 8:20s-8:40s through the first ten miles. That early pace built a cushion that carried her through the middle miles, where per-mile splits gradually eased into the 9:00-10:30 range through mile 18. The back third of the race brought the steepest cost, with miles 19-24 slipping into the 12-16 minute range before a final mile rally to 11:02 down the stretch. That opening 10-mile stretch, completed in roughly 8:49 pace, stands as the strongest sustained running of the day. Given that this course finishes on the Pearl Street Mall at over 5,000 feet of elevation, the early rhythm she found is worth building from for pacing the later miles next time.