Randall, Nichols qualify for US Mountain Running Team

On July 21st the U.S. Mountain Running Championships was held at the Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH. The 26th Cranmore Hill Climb presented by Delta Dental race doubled as the NACAC (North American Central American Caribbean Championships), which explained why the there were a bunch of Canadians and Mexicans milling around before the race.

Team Colorado had three representatives (four if you include cheerleader Peter Maksimow): Glenn Randall, Axel Nichols, and Tommy "One Man Wolf Pack" Manning. Of the three, Randall (4th) and Nichols (6th) went on to place in the top 6 and qualify for the U.S. Mountain Running Team that will compete  at the 29th World Mountain Running Championships on September 8 in Krynica-Zdrój, Poland.

Team Colorado poses for a pic                                              photo: Joe Viger

Randall was holding on to 2nd position with one lap remaining, of the three lap, 12k course, however, was passed by newcomer to the mountain running scene and eventual 2nd place finisher, Zach Ornelas. Then there was that sneaking Max King that surged in there for the 3rd spot. That King is a punchy one, using his steeplechasing skills and silver mullet (literally) to get him to the line. Local Colorado Springs runner, Ryan "Afro" Hafer placed 5th just ahead of our golden boy, Axel Nichols (6th), who held off speedster Andy Wacker (that is not a nickname!) of Boulder, CO. Manning took a digger on a steep downhill section of the course which put him out of contention for a top 6 finish. Manning stayed in the race to place 20th in 1:04:42.

Randall leading Joe Gray on a steep downhill section                          photo: Joe Viger

                                        Axel, with the wind in his hair                                                      photo: Joe Viger

One Man Wolf Pack finishes wounded                                               photo: Joe Viger

Unfortunately, Team Colorado was not able to field a full team so the National Mountain Running Champions title was awarded to the Central Mass Striders. Next year, CMS, next year!!!

On the women's side, Morgan Arritola and Stevie Kremer had a hard fought battle to finish 1-2, respectively, with Magdalena Lewy-Boulet finishing 3rd and Megan Kimmel 4th to make the U.S. Mountain Running Team. Since Morgan Arritola declined her spot on the U.S. Team, 5th place finisher, Christine Lundy, will round out the 4-woman team.

Men's Results (12k)

1. Joe Gray - 56:23
2. Zachary Ornelas - 56:28
3. Max King - 56:45
4. Glenn Randall - 57:58
5. Ryan Hafer - 58:11
6. Axel Nichols - 58:17
7. Andy Wacker - 58:44
8. Alex Varner - 58:56
9. David Laney - 59:30
10. Victor Manuel Mercado Mirands - 1:01:06
20. Tommy Manning - 1:04:42

Women's Results (8k)

1. Morgan Arritola - 42:31
2. Stevie Kremer - 42:50
3. Magdalena Lewy-Boulet - 44:52
4. Megan Kimmel - 45:01
5. Christine Lundy - 45:33
6. Megan Lizotte - 46:03
7. Juliane Masciana - 47:17
8. Rachel Viele - 47:32
9. Amber Reece-Young - 47:50
10. Laura Haefeli - 48:19
11. Michele Yates - 49:01

Level Renner article and videos

Yep, that hurt                                                                      photo: Joe Viger

More to come...