Utrata wins women's marathon; Eberly, Simon half-marathon champions; more than 15,000 entrants and nearly $390,000 raised for 11 different charity organizations at second edition in Mile High City
By: Amana Miyamae, Competitor Group
DENVER - (October 9, 2011) - A brisk, fall morning transformed into a thrilling afternoon at the 2nd Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon, where a new state record was set on Sunday. More than 15,000 entrants lined up in downtown Denver, touring the city's beautiful parks under perfect running conditions before a finish under sunny skies in Civic Center Park.
As the clock ticked toward 2:19:32, the state marathon record held by Juan Salvador of Mexico since 1993, excitement began to build in the crowds lining the finish line. 30-year-old Chris Siemers of Arvada, Colo. appeared in the final stretch, finishing to roaring applause in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 48 seconds, a new state record. Siemers was followed by Andrew Smith of Denver, Jonathan Ndambuki of Kenya and U.S. 50K record holder Josh Cox, who placed fourth.
Having achieved his main goal of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials, the state record was an emotional achievement for Siemers, who grew up in Chicago but lives and trains in Colorado, calling it "the best state for running."
"I wanted to do it here," he said, referring to his qualifying time. "I love Colorado and I used to watch guys like Alan Culpepper run here and it motivated me," he said. "Mentally, this is huge for me. I wanted to prove it to myself and I have."
By: Amana Miyamae, Competitor Group
DENVER - (October 9, 2011) - A brisk, fall morning transformed into a thrilling afternoon at the 2nd Sports Authority Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon, where a new state record was set on Sunday. More than 15,000 entrants lined up in downtown Denver, touring the city's beautiful parks under perfect running conditions before a finish under sunny skies in Civic Center Park.
As the clock ticked toward 2:19:32, the state marathon record held by Juan Salvador of Mexico since 1993, excitement began to build in the crowds lining the finish line. 30-year-old Chris Siemers of Arvada, Colo. appeared in the final stretch, finishing to roaring applause in 2 hours, 18 minutes, 48 seconds, a new state record. Siemers was followed by Andrew Smith of Denver, Jonathan Ndambuki of Kenya and U.S. 50K record holder Josh Cox, who placed fourth.Having achieved his main goal of qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials, the state record was an emotional achievement for Siemers, who grew up in Chicago but lives and trains in Colorado, calling it "the best state for running."
"I wanted to do it here," he said, referring to his qualifying time. "I love Colorado and I used to watch guys like Alan Culpepper run here and it motivated me," he said. "Mentally, this is huge for me. I wanted to prove it to myself and I have."
Utrata wins women's marathon; Eberly, Simon half-marathon champions; more than 15,000 entrants and nearly $390,000 raised for 11 different charity organizations at second edition in Mile High City
By: Amana Miyamae, Competitor Group
