Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Sam Starks #40936 Race: 2026 Boulderthon 5K Distance: 3.1 miles

Strong Middle Mile Powers a Steady 5K Finish Sam Starks crossed the line in 29:38, good for 172nd among women in the field of 2,677 at this year's Boulderthon 5K. Her race built momentum early before settling back late: the opening mile came in at 9:41, then she surged to a 8:23 second mile her fastest of the day before easing to 10:40 over the final stretch. That middle-mile push stood out as the highlight of her run, showing a strong capacity to accelerate mid-race. Racing at Boulder's altitude of over 5,000 feet adds context to that effort, making the pace shift in mile two a notable display of strength on a course that offers little oxygen margin for error.