The 10th running of the Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K took place today on the Alpine Loop jeep roads surrounding Silverton, Colorado. This “low key” but spectacular running event rivals the Imogene Pass in beauty and toughness but leaves the crowds behind. The marathon course features a clean, single loop tour of some of the most iconic mining ghost towns in the San Juans: Howardsville, Eureka, Animas Forks and Gladstone. The 50 Kilometer ultra version adds an out and back to the beginning of the route. With the staggered start times, the two fields are completely mixed together by the finish line.
Start & Finish Line at Memorial Park
The Marathon start
27 runners started the 50K at 7:00am and made their way reverse up the course with a gradual climb towards Niagara Gulch. After hitting the turn around, its a quick jog back to tag the start line before beginning the full marathon route ahead of the 8:00am Marathon start. Dave James split the out and back in just over 34 minutes and had already assumed a considerable lead that only grew throughout the day. Eventual ladies winner Cat Bradley was through in a hair over 40 minutes and the rest of the 50K field soon followed.
The first 8 miles of the marathon route are relatively flat on maintained dirt roads and a small section of pavement. This makes for some easy early miles and a great way to warm up the legs. Runners were already commenting on the beauty of the course, but the best was surely yet to come. The route follows along the Animas River Road for a couple of miles leading into the first aid station at Howardsville, then a wider, well maintained road connecting to the old Eureka Townsite.
Silverton local Blaze Braford-Lefebvre
Runners at mile 2 of the Silverton Alpine Marathon course on the Animas River road.
Dave James continued his lead being the first runner through Eureka where the true climbing begins. From there, it is 4 miles up to Animas Forks and then another 4 miles to the high point of the course, California Pass which sits just below 13,000 feet. Jeremy Pager lead the Marathon through Eureka commenting how he was surprised to be in first, but was looking strong and running on his goal pace for the day.
Runners heading towards Eureka.
50K winner Dave James leading into Eureka.
Cat Bradley leading the 50K into Eureka with the towering San Juans in the background
Cat Bradley who is coming off of a year long injury ran strong all day to win the 50K for the ladies in a time of 5:33:35 almost an hour ahead of 2nd place runner Caitlin Prescott. In the ladies Marathon, Vanessa Moore of Grand Junction won with a time of 4:54:13. Michaela Trenidad was 2nd in 5:48:38.
Aid station at Eureka
The climb out of Eureka towards Animas Forks
After cresting California Pass, runners catch an amazing view of Como Lake and drop several hundred feet before climbing up to Hurricane Pass. After Hurricane, its all downhill to the finish. The first 3 miles are the steepest, down to Gladstone and the site of the recent Gold King Mine spill. Once they hit the final aid at Gladstone, it is a gradual 6 miles back to Memorial Park and the awaiting barbecue.
Runners on their way to Eureka
50K runners enjoying the course
The finish line alternated between warm sun and short downpours, typical this time of year. We hear many comments about the beauty of the course (some thought this was the most beautiful course they have ever run on) and how interesting the mining ruins are. “It’s like a whole different world up there” commented Brian Rogge of Phoenix.
The 11th running of the Silverton Alpine Marathon & 50K will take place August 20, 2016. Consider joining us!