Wacker, Nelson Win USATF Colorado Half Marathon Championship

October 22, 2012 by Amanda Hodges

A sunny Fall day with pleasant temperatures greeted runners Sunday morning for the start of the Boulder Marathon, Half Marathon and 5 Miler. The half marathon played host and concluded the season of the 2012 USATF Colorado Championships.

Many runners had a busy weekend as they ran back-to-back in both the USATF Colorado Cross Country Championships, held on Saturday in Colorado Springs, as well as the USATF Colorado Half Marathon Championships the following morning in Boulder.

Jeff Mason – the Race Director of the Boulder Marathon races – did a first-class job in organizing one of the best races in Colorado.

Andy Wacker was all around the USATF Colorado Champions this past weekend. Saturday he battled Matt Tebo throughout the initial stages of the 8K race to win his first USATF Colorado Championship. Sunday morning, Wacker debuted racing his first half marathon, and helped by Matt Levassiur he proved to fully deserve both USATF Colorado Championship titles.

Matt Levassiur – the runner-up – continues to be the most consistent half marathoner at the state championships, while top masters finisher Art Simmers smoked the masters field with a time of 1:15:46.

In the women’s championship race, Brianne Nelson – also running both days – once again defended her USATF CO Championship title for 2012.

Melody Fairchild was the runner-up as one of the most versatile female runners in the state. It’s clear that the Women’s USA Mountain Running Team – Melody Fairchild, Michele Suszek and Brandy Erholtz – can run fast on the mountains as well as smoke their competition on the roads.

Colleen De Reuck, one of the best Masters runners in U.S., was the USATF Colorado Masters winner in 1:24:39.

1. Andy Wacker 1:10;37              $500
2. Matt Lavassiur 1:11:49             $400
3. Chris Siemers   1:13:32            $300
4. Trent Briney                            $250
5.Bouglas Scudammore 1:16:29    $200

First Men’s Master – Art Siemers 1:15:46 $350

1. Brianne Nelson 1:18:16           $500
2. Melody Fairchild 1:23:04          $400
3. Michele Suszek 1:25:12             $300
4. Brandy Erholtz                         $250
5. Amanda Lovato 1:28:34            $200

First Women’s Master : Colleen De Reuck 1:24:39 $350

“On behalf of USATF Colorado, LDR and our athletes I would like to thank our state communities, race directors and VOLUNTEERS for all your help and support.” -Tania Pacev, LDR Chair, USATF Colorado Association.

All photos courtesy (c) Jason K Powers/Brightroom – used with permission.