Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Kayla Grupe #23479 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

Steady Early Pace Fades Late in Half Marathon Return Kayla Grupe finished the 2026 Boulderthon Half Marathon in 2:13:49, a slight step back from her 2024 result of 2:11:36 on the same course. Her early miles were strong and consistent, holding between 9:14 and 9:33 per mile through mile 6, but the back half slowed considerably, with miles 9 and 11 slipping to 11:04 and 12:06 respectively before a final push brought her home. The first 6 miles were Grupe's standout stretch, averaging roughly 9:27 per mile and building an early cushion. Boulder's elevation, sitting above 5,000 feet, adds a layer of difficulty to maintaining pace over the second half of a half marathon, and Grupe's experience here reflects that common pattern of early strength giving way to a tougher closing stretch.