Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Brandon Hilyard #10804 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Early Pace Fades Late in the Marathon Brandon Hilyard completed the 2026 Boulderthon Marathon in 4:38:09, averaging 10:37 per mile. Hilyard ran a steady first half, holding between 9:04 and 9:14 per mile through mile 15, with a strong mile 11 at 8:18. The middle miles held firm near 9:15-9:30 pace, but the back stretch of the course brought a gradual slowdown, with miles 17 through 26 settling into the 11:00-14:30 per mile range. Miles 21 through 25 were the toughest stretch, each landing between 13:30 and 14:34, before a final mile rebound to 12:05. The course finishes on the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder, a fitting close to a race run at altitude above 5,000 feet. Given the consistency of his opening 16 miles, Hilyard may want to look at pacing strategy for the closing 10K as a focus for future races.