Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Harper Smith #10715 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Steady Start Gives Way to a Hard-Fought Finish Harper Smith completed the marathon in 4:31:46, holding a strong, even effort through the first half of the race. His pace hovered in the 9:20s to 9:30s per mile from mile 1 through mile 13, a well-controlled opening that showed good early pacing discipline. After the midpoint, the effort gradually eased, with per-mile pace drifting into the 10:00s by mile 18 and further into the 11:0013:00 range from mile 19 through mile 25 before a solid final mile back near 10:17. Boulder's altitude, over 5,000 feet, adds context to the later miles' cost. Given the strength of the first 13 miles, Harper might consider working on sustaining that early rhythm deeper into future marathons.