Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Zack Hope #12973 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Early Pace Fades Late but Finish Holds Top-10% Standing Zack Hope crossed in 3:56:37, placing 327th overall and 262nd among men in the 2026 Boulderthon Marathon, a finish inside the top 10% of the field. His race showed two distinct halves: a tightly controlled opening ten miles averaging almost exactly 8:00 per mile, followed by a gradual fade that became pronounced after mile 20, where his pace slipped into the 9- to 12-minute range through the finish. That opening 10-mile stretch stands as the highlight of the day, remarkably even splits ranging only from 7:51 to 8:16. Given that Boulder sits above 5,000 feet, holding that rhythm through double-digit mileage reflects sound pacing discipline. His mile 22 split, near the lululemon Power-Up Zone, marked the point where effort visibly cost him, suggesting a touch more reserve in the middle miles could help smooth the closing stretch next time.