Lead King Loop 25K (Marble, CO)

The 5th annual Lead King Loop 25K and Quarry Climb 8M was run under perfect conditions. 25K winner Bernie Boettcher had this to say about the race:

"This is perhaps the prettiest race in Colorado. Even though the fall leaves hadn’t really started changing yet, the misty views at Beaver Lake, the Snowmass Mtn. view near the summit of the climb, the snowcapped mountains view to the south, the river/canyon/forest views descending into Crystal City and the Crystal Mill, and the Lizard Lake view were fantastic!"

Bernie had some early competition, as evidenced by the photo to the left. Two runners are leading Bernie up the first big hill, Daniel's Hill. He was able to shake them and win his 23rd race of the year!

"Oh, and besides being one of the most beautiful races in Colorado, this race had the best food dishes of any race I’ve ever done…ever!!!" he said afterwards.

Runners mingle at the start of the 25K.

Two ladies are all smiles as the near the finish.

A runner sprints to the finish of the Quarry Run 8M.

Bernie Boettcher (first male in the 25K) and Jeanie Blatter (first female in the 8M) show off their first place, hand-carved, marble feet awards!

Crystal Mill, also known as Dead Horse Mill at about mile 11.

View looking south from about 6M, just before big descent into Lead King Basin

Beaver Lake just before start.

All photos by Bernie Boettcher