Marathon notes: Course takes a bite out of runners
- Details
- Created on Monday, 23 August 2010 00:30
- Written by Joe Paisley
JOE PAISLEY, THE GAZETTE
The 86-degree heat Sunday afternoon took its toll, with 158 needing treatment after the 55th Pikes Peak Marathon.
But it was the course itself that took the most out of the competitors with 105 needing treatment for bruises, cuts and scrapes. Many had multiple injuries, but none was deemed serious. Twenty runners were dehydrated and lightheaded when they crossed the finish line, said Dr. Robert Hamilton of EmergiCare Medical Clinics, which ran the medical tent.
Watch a photo slideshow of the Marathon.
That prompted some to take precautions as early as the 7 a.m. start.
“I wore the numbers low so I could take off my shirt right away,” said Guffey’s Rick Shoulberg, pointing at his shorts. “I passed four or five dudes on the way down who were (struggling) in the heat.”
Etc.
Brenton Buxton of Austin, Texas, finished for the 18th straight year to extend his men’s double streak. Bill Coffelt of Fort Smith, Ark., ran the marathon for the record 27th time … Arlene Pieper, the first women in the U.S. to run a marathon (Pikes Peak, 1959), enjoyed her role as trophy presenter for the women. Pieper said her daughter, Kathy Pieper, plans to compete in the marathon next year. … Steve Gachupin, who won the marathon from 1966 to 1971, gave out the men’s trophies. … Jamie Berry, who was featured along with his wife Misty in Friday’s Gazette, took 723rd overall Saturday, completing the Ascent in 4:26:57, 3 minutes under his target. He ran the race to raise money for the couple’s fund to adopt two Ethiopian orphans. ... Joyce McKelvey of Black Forest shattered the old marathon record for women ages 65-69 by 46 minutes, completing the course in 7:30:22. The old mark was 8:16:39 by Vici DeHaan in 2000. Joyce was well aware of the record. She serves as the race historian.
Weather
Current Contests
