Greenland Trail 50K, 25K, 8M

The Greenland Trail 50K, 25K and 8M has become known as one of the best early season trail races in Colorado. The fourth annual race was one of the best to date. Normally plagued by poor weather or trail conditions, the 2008 version greeted runners with dry trails and clear skies. It seemed that the only issue runners had to deal with was a nasty head wind from the south that got steadily stronger as the day progressed.

In the 50K, newcomer Justin Ricks of Pueblo West stole the show from defending champion Johannes Rudolph of Boulder as he blitzed the course in what might be the fastest 50K ever run in Colorado. His new course record of 3:23:11 was more than 13 minutes faster than the previous record. Michelle Macander of Boulder cruised to victory in 4:27:32. Rudolph finished second in 3:42:33.

Ramiro Paris of Boulder held off Dave Mackey of Boulder, 1:39:56 to 1:40:09 in the 25K. Karen Melliar-Smith of Denver was the first female in 2:00:53.

The 8M was part of the 2008 Colorado Runner Racing Series, so numerous road runners came out of thier comfort zone to chase series points on the rolling trails of Greenland. Steven Folkerts Fort Collins ran away from the field, running 46:39, just missing Andy Ames' course record of 46:33. 14-year-old Kristen Kientz of Highlands Ranch set a new course record of 55:45 on the way to the female title.

Kari Cornwell of Fort Collins was just over an hour in the eight mile, running 1:00:26. THis time placed her as the second female masters runner.

Heather Hutchison of Colorado Springs finished the 8M in 1:05:43.

Monica Zaltsberg of Denver finishes the 25K in 2:41:06.

Kris Lawson of Parker finished as the fourth female in the 8M in 58:21.

Philip Snyder of Denver finished the 8M in 1:02:28. All photos by Steve Glass / www.glassphotography.com

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