Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Bret Bietila #20115 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles

Steady Early Pace Fades Late in Half Marathon Effort Bret Bietila covered the 2026 Boulderthon half marathon in 1:47:55, an 8:14 min/mile average. He was efficient through the first eight miles, banking that stretch in 1:04:23 roughly an 8:03 pace with a quick opening mile of 7:55. From mile nine onward, his per-mile splits settled into the 8:30-8:40 range, closing with an 8:41 final mile, a gradual softening after the strong early tempo. Racing at altitude in Boulder, sitting above 5,000 feet, is a factor for any runner regardless of pace. Bietila passed through the course's redesigned half marathon route, which this year trims net elevation gain to 203 feet, and would have hit the lululemon Power-Up Zone around mile 9.5 right as his pace began its late-race adjustment. A touch more evenness across the back half could help him carry that early rhythm all the way to the Pearl Street Mall finish.