Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 27, 2026 Participant: Ben Samples #12950 Race: 2026 Boulderthon Marathon Distance: 26.2 miles

Strong Front Half Fuels Top 5% Marathon Finish Ben Samples finished the marathon in 3:39:15, placing 158th overall and 136th among men, in a field of 3,305 at 2026 Boulderthon. Through the first 18 miles, Samples held a tight band of 7:448:24 pace, with miles 911 a particular highlight7:49, 7:54, and 7:35, averaging under 7:47 per mile. That opening pace, sustained at Boulder's altitude above 5,000 feet, built a solid cushion. From mile 19 on, per-mile splits eased into the 8:309:42 range, though he closed with a strong final mile at 9:04, faster than the previous four. The steady early miles followed by a controlled late fade produced a well-managed overall effort and a result that lands in the top tier of this year's field.