Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Matthew Gilster #10829 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Early Pace Fades Under Late-Race Pressure Matthew Gilster completed the marathon in 3:51:33, an 8:50 min/mile pace. His race split cleanly into two halves: a swift, controlled first 17 miles followed by a steady decline over the final 9, with per-mile pace slipping from the 7:30s into the 9-13 minute range before a slight rebound in the last mile. The standout stretch came early miles 1 through 17 held remarkably steady between 6:47 and 7:52 per mile, anchoring the overall time despite the tougher back half. That effort came at Boulder's elevation of over 5,000 feet, a demanding backdrop for holding sub-7:30 pace. By the time he reached the lululemon Power-Up Zone near mile 22.5, his pace had eased into the 12-13 minute range, reflecting the accumulated fatigue of the day's earlier speed.