Inaugural Blue Sky Marathon and Half Marathon Races a Huge Success!

Fort Collins, CO – [10/5/08] Perfect weather and a well organized first year race saw Johannes Rudolph of Boulder and Lindsey Haberman (below) of Fort Collins win the inaugural Blue Sky Marathon on Sunday, October 5th, 2008.

Rudolph ran the scenic and challenging course held entirely within the Larimer County trail systems of Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil’s Backbone Open Space in an impressive time of 3:23:46 while Haberman ran a well earned victory in 4:30:09. The event also featured a half marathon on the Blue Sky Trail won by Susan Nuzum of Boulder and Fort Collins Trail Runner Jonathan Vigh. Nuzum clocked in at 1:43:19 and Vigh ran a fast 1:31:30.

Organizers of the Blue Sky Marathon and Half Marathon saw 46 runners participate in the full marathon and 64 in the half under ideal weather conditions. The first year event was run by Blue Sky Events, a 501(c) 3 non profit entity formed by seven Fort Collins trail runners with the goal of bringing an all trail marathon to the scenic and spacious trail system of the Horsetooth Mountain Park and Devils Backbone Open Space areas.

All indications appear that the first year race was an unqualified success. “Great views, great trails, great volunteers,” were Rudolph’s impressions after his victory.

Stephanie Owens of Wheat Ridge ran the half marathon and added, “The support was wonderful, the food at the end was great, and I was kind of blown away by the unexpectedly plush goody bag. Plus it feels truly great to support a local race…”

Terry Chiplin was impressed with, “(the) incredible variety of terrain and beautiful views from the summits of those climbs.”

After finishing her first marathon Molly Gutilla gushed. “Wow, what an awesome run! The race was super fun. Great course, great aid, great solitude on the trail (and) great volunteers. I do hope that the Blue Sky Marathon continues! It was my first marathon- and it was perfect!”

The challenging combination of hills west of Horsetooth Reservoir, and selections of fast, loops through the hogbacks in the Devil’s Backbone Open Space north of Loveland were the inspiration for race committee members Shana Gilette, Eric Lee, Fran Levine, Alex May, Pete Stevenson, Dan Turk and Dennis Vanderheiden to put on the race.

Proceeds from the race benefited Larimer County Parks, Larimer County Search and Rescue, and The Northern Colorado Running Foundation.
The inaugural 2008 races are made possible by donations and contributions from our generous sponsors, Colorado Physical Therapy Specialists, Runners Roost Fort Collins, SUCCEED! SportsDrink, Boulder Performance Lab, Eldorado Water, and many hard working volunteers.

To learn more about the Blue Sky Marathon and Half Marathon Races and our sponsors and beneficiaries, please visit www.blueskymarathon.com or email us at info@blueskymarathon.com.

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About Blue Sky Events
Blue Sky Events was founded by local Fort Collins trail running enthusiasts to organize the Blue Sky Marathon and Half Marathon Races. Our goal is to create quality running events in Northern Colorado to showcase the beautiful trails and open spaces that we have available to us. Blue Sky Events is organized exclusively for charitable purposes to benefit parks and open spaces and other outdoor and sports organizations in Northern Colorado. All proceeds from entry fees and sponsorships will be donated back to our local community beneficiaries. Blue Sky Events is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. www.blueskymarathon.com.

The inaugural Blue Sky Marathon and Half Marathon Races, presented by Colorado Physical Therapy Specialists, were held on October 5th, 2008. All indications show that the first year races were an unqualified success.