Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Zach Nykanen #13576 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Steady Middle Miles Anchor a Strong Marathon Effort Zach Nykanen finished the 2026 Boulderthon Marathon in 4:07:05, averaging 9:25 per mile. Compared to his 2025 Boulderthon Half Marathon, where he ran 8:36 pace, this marathon reflects the natural pace difference of doubling the distance while still holding a disciplined effort across most of the course. The race's shape tells the story: after settling in around 8:44-8:47 pace through the early miles, Nykanen locked into a remarkably consistent groove from mile 5 through mile 18, holding between 8:47 and 8:55 per mile for thirteen straight miles - the standout stretch of his day. The closing miles cost him some time, with pace drifting into the 10:12-11:42 range as fatigue set in over the final 8 miles. Given that Boulder sits above 5,000 feet, that long middle stretch of even pacing stands out as the clear strength of this performance.