Army veteran warms up to Colorado at final Fall Series race

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Created on Sunday, 13 November 2011 22:54

Written by Aaron Linn

Photo by Bob Kane, Design Photography

By KEVIN CARMODY, THE GAZETTE

In 27 years of service in the U.S. Army, from Fort Polk to Korea and Iraq, James Kilpatrick Jr. finally feels at home in Colorado Springs.

“Races like this allow me to get out around Colorado and enjoy what the area offers,” the 45-year-old Fort Carson garrison sergeant major said Sunday at the fourth and final installment of the Pikes Peak Road Runners Fall Series at Palmer Park. “This is really my first time coming out to do things from all the places I’ve been stationed. Since I’ve been here, I’ve really picked up the pace.”

Check out a photo gallery from the race!

The Atlanta native and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran finished his weekend with a 7-mile trek through Palmer Park’s tricky trails, fraught with loose rock, exposed tree roots and treacherous footing, which offered improved traction with the absence of snow this time.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie and people of all ages out there,” said Kilpatrick, who has been stationed at Fort Carson since returning from his Iraq deployment in September 2005. “That’s what motivates me. It feels good to achieve and finish something. Working hard all week, this allows me to enjoy something I like doing.”

Colorado College graduate Alex Nichols notched the biggest running achievement of the weekend, winning the overall title at Palmer Park and clinching his first series title. After a third-place finish at the series opener at Monument Valley Park, the Minneapolis-bred Nichols crossed the finish line first in the final three events.

Men's results ... women's results

“I’m definitely happy to be the winner,” said Nichols, who recorded a time of 47 minutes, 48 seconds. “These series races are sometimes difficult because I tend to get injured pretty easily. I feel good right now, and I’m glad I finished the overall series with the overall win, especially after the first race.”

Series runner-up Peter Maksimow finished second in all four races, crossing the line Sunday in 48:21.

Amanda Ewing didn’t run the first series race, taking her out of contention for the overall women’s series crown. But the 30-year-old former college steeplechase contestant at Northern Colorado won the last three races, culminated by Sunday’s effort in 1:02.17.

Men's series standings ... women's series standings

That was after convincing herself to take part in the event.

“Honestly, when I woke up, I didn’t think I was going to run,” said Ewing, who works in the insurance business. “It was such a nice day, and I knew all my friends were going to be there, I told myself I couldn’t just sit on the couch on such a beautiful day.”

And for Kilpatrick, the weekend that started with Veterans’ Day ended with another beautiful day as he reflected on service, honor and country.

“Veterans’ Day reminds me of our forefathers, those who served before me and the ones who will serve after me,” said Kilpatrick, whose father, James Sr., served at the tail end of the Vietnam War. “We reflect and look back how they fought for our democracy. It’s a great day to celebrate. It’s nice to have people backing you and in your corner. We’ve definitely learned from the past and previous wars in how we treat our citizens.”