Quad Rock 2014 Post-Race Wrap

Jack Jewel. All images: Erin Bibeau

A huge and sincere congratulations to everyone who came out to toe the line last weekend, from the ultra veterans to the trail racing first-timers who chose to make Quad Rock their first 25 or 50 mile trail race.

We had perhaps the best weather yet for the third running of the Quad Rock Trail Races, and while it still wasn’t perfect, with a couple of afternoon rain showers, we’re getting closer every year. Next year we’re shooting for all day bluebird skies.

Becky on her way to setting a new course record: First lady under nine hours.

For this rendition of the Quad Rock Trail races, we had some fast finishers, a course record and a whole bunch of individual PRs.

At the front of the field, we had some exciting racing action. In the women’s 50-mile race, Becky Wheeler (Casper, WY) came away with the win after running a consistently strong pace all morning long. She picked off Darcy Africa with less than 10 miles to go, finishing under nine hours by just two seconds and setting a stout new course record in the process. We’re awarding her the ‘run of the day.’ Darcy held on for second, coming in 11 minutes later (also under the former CR), with Emily Judd rounding out the top three in 9:41.

Darcy Africa

Defending champion Kerry Bruxvoort ended up dropping down to the 25-mile distance and was quick enough over one lap to claim the 25-mile victory. Local favorite, Sarah Hansen (4:17) was the first registered 25 miler across the finish line, which was good for second overall. Becca Hall from Evergreen, CO rounded out the top three, finishing 15 minutes after Sarah.

 

Sarah Hansen

The men’s 50-mile field featured a mix of experience and youthful exuberance, with the older, wiser heads prevailing on this day. Littleton’s Jim Rebenack looked smooth all morning, and showed his experience over course and distance with a comfortable win (7:52) in his third Quad Rock run. Jared Hazen was close all morning, but dropped from the race at mile 40. Both Jim and Jared beat the 25-mile racers to the turnaround. Montana’s Jesse Langner paced a great race to finish second, closely followed by Bryan Williams who moved through the field to finish in an impressive third, improving significantly on his ninth-place finish from last year. Ryan Burch’s now three year-old course record continues to stand the test of time.

Jim Rebenack Leads Jared Hazen

In the 25-mile race, Jared Hazen (3:39) was credited with the win after dropping down from the 50 mile race, and he was followed by Boulder’s Will Porter in second,  and local Jonathan Garcia in third.

There were 132 finishers in the 50-mile race, with approximately a third of the field calling it a day after 25 miles, bumping finisher numbers in that race up to 226 for 358 total finishers.

Jack Pilla representing Pearl Izumi

Of course, we couldn’t put on the kind of race we aspire to put on without the magnificent help of our sponsors and volunteers. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to live a town where people don’t need to be asked to volunteer because hanging outside at an aid station, marking or tearing down a course, or helping with any other number of necessary jobs is their idea of fun. To our volunteers, a MASSIVE thank you; you were (and continue to be) the biggest source of compliments we get from Quad Rock runners.

Roost was in the house: Oza Klanjsek

And of course a big thank you to our very generous sponsors. Both Pearl Izumi and Cornerstone Home Lending (Hunter Team) have supported the race from the outset and we couldn’t do it without them, and we ask that you consider supporting them if you’re in the market for high-quality race apparel and shoes, or a home mortgage.

We’re also heavily indebted to our community sponsors, all of whom are linchpins in the local running community: Countryside Vet (Dr. Cat Speights), Justin Liddle DMD, and Colorado Physical Therapist Specialists. On-course nutrition was provided by VFuel, electrolyte replacement by Succeed S!Caps, and post-race schwag by Smith Optics, NB Sports Monitors and Ultraspire Hydration. As always, Runners Roost Fort Collins came through in a big way with equipment, supplies and post race awards. We had beer from local brewery Pateros Creek and killer cookies and cinnamon rolls from Great Harvest Bread Co.

Thank you all.

For more images from the day, please visit Erin Bibeau Photography. Digital images are available for download starting at 99 cents and print options are available too.

Goding & Liddle

And a final note: if you left anything behind at the race, there is a good chance it is hanging out at Runners Roost in the lost and found pile.

We look forward to seeing you again in 2015 at the same place and approximately the same time. Or even better, we’d love to see you later in the summer at one of our shorter events. On September 6 we will be hosting the second running of the Black Squirrel Half Marathon in Lory State Park, followed October 5 by the seventh running of the Blue Sky Marathon, Fort Collins original and only Trail Marathon.

Squirrels. Erin Bibeau Photography.

Be GNARful out there!