Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: James Vlcek #10230 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Front Half Fuels Sub-4 Marathon Finish James Vlcek completed the 2026 Boulderthon Marathon in 3:57:31, finishing 342nd overall out of a field of 3,305. Vlcek ran his fastest stretch through the first 10 miles, holding roughly 7:49 pace and building a comfortable cushion. He sustained low-8:00s pace through mile 20 before a tougher patch from miles 21-24, where his per-mile times climbed into the 12-minute range. He rallied over the final two miles, dropping back to 10:25 and 9:48 to close out the race. That late fade came in the same stretch as Boulder's lululemon Power-Up Zone near mile 22.5, and his overall effort came at altitude, with Boulder sitting above 5,000 feet. Given the strength of his opening pace, a touch more even effort through the middle miles could help him carry that early speed closer to the finish next time.