Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Caleb Donaldson #12257 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Front Half Gives Way to a Tougher Finish Caleb Donaldson completed the marathon in 4:18:11, an average pace of 9:51 per mile. He built a steady rhythm through the first 17 miles, holding between 8:22 and 9:06 per mile, before the back stretch slowed considerably, with splits climbing into the 10- to 14-minute range from mile 18 to the finish. His strongest mile came early, a 7:52 split at mile 11, marking the fastest stretch of his race. That effort came as the course wound through Boulder County, a route that in this year's marathon carries a reduced net elevation gain of 603 feet, down from 982 in past designs a notable adjustment at Boulder's altitude above 5,000 feet. Donaldson's ability to hold sub-9:00 pace deep into the race, even as the closing miles demanded more from him, speaks to a well-managed opening effort worth building on.