Coal Creek Cross Country Challenge 2009

by Bruce Kirschner

The tenth anniversary Coal Creek X-C Challenge on October 19 featured wintry conditions with temperatures in the 30s and overcast skies. With the area's first light snow the day before conditions were not optimal for road racing, but perfect for cross country running. It could have been in northern England in December...but no complaints from any of the 123 participants that showed up.

Tommy Manning, last year's second place overall finisher, led the field with a 31:55 finish. When asked what it was like out on the 5.72 mile course, 33-year-old Manning remarked, "I thought it was great. The creek wasn't very deep and not too cold this year. So it wasn't too bad because it was step, step, and you were out. I liked it better this year because the cold weather made it a little bit tougher to race. The tall weeds after the creek crossing made it tougher too. But I like tough races." Colorado Springs' Manning and Boulder's Pete Remien ran together much of the early part of the race, and made the turnaround with Fleet Feet's James Johnson. According to Remien, "I did steeplechase in college and hurtled the creek and only got one foot a little wet. [Then Manning took the lead right after the creek crossing as] "we waded through the weeds and then it was definitive on the hill. It was the first time I had done this race, I had no idea!" Remien finished second place in 32:16. James Johnson was third place finisher in 33:05.

Rob Mandje, the 2008 Coal Creek X-C winner, finished in fourth place this year. According to Mandje, "The result wasn't as good for me as last year. My training is actually further ahead of last year's but I just didn't get it right today. Perhaps I'm still feeling a little bit of the travel, having just recently returned from my trip home to Europe. All in all it was great to be out there again competing with the good runners and against the course's obstacles. I hope to return next year and give it another go!"

Former Boulder High School and University of Oregon standout Melody Fairchild was first woman finisher in 35:53. According to Fairchild, who now lives in Nederland, "It was awesome. The downhill coming back was great because it helps to get your speed back after the [farmer's] field. There was a fun crowd, it was well organized, and a great community event. Even on a cold day everyone felt taken care of." Lori Walker of Henderson, CO finished second behind Fairchild in 37:13. Maia Bogert was third woman overall in 37:48.

Ian Monk of was first place racewalker of the entire course in a time of 1:17:50.

Fleet Feet Sports Boulder donated $500 in prize money for the top three overall, top two Masters (40-49), and top two Grand Masters (50 and over) male and female finishers. For the first year the race was an event in two race series, the Fall Cross [Country] series and the in the 2009 Colorado Runner magazine race series.

A mighty thanks to all the volunteers who really made this event possible. Tom Alison, Rob Fisher, and Scott McFarlane did a fine job with registration. Jim Price served in his historical race role as master finish line timer. Joe Baird, Mike Vanoni, Rob Fisher, Dave Swanson, Janet Lowe, and Ken Simons deftly managed the 2-chute finish line. Nanette and Joe Benvegnu took good care of scoring duties. Cameron Menezes volunteered to provide timing splits at the 1 mile point and help with the finish line chutes. Reliable CMRA quartermaster Joe Sanchez was there early with all the equipment. Chris and Mike Vanoni handled all the post-race refreshments, including fresh banana bread they baked themselves! Other volunteers along the course were Rollie Erickson (pace bike), Cassi Bailey (hill swath marshal), Mark Bailey (ditch marshal), Rob Cassady (Empire Road crossing), Alfie and Austin Pena (creek crossing), and Pete Wolfe (fence crossing). Robert and Debbie Garelick and friend managed the water stop at the turnaround point. Tom Navarro made his hay bales available and Gale Meuret transported them to the race site.

Also a hearty thanks to our commercial race sponsors and prize drawing donors: Jay Johnson of Fleet Feet Sports Boulder for the prize money. Doug Christie at Boulder Beer for providing a keg of Buffalo Gold for participants and donating a case of beer each for the top male and female finishers; Matt Steinberg of The Competitor magazine for over a dozen pairs of race socks; Garrett McCarthy of the Old Louisville Inn for free half pint coupons; Roger Rettig of Colorado Physical Therapy Institute in Broomfield for 5 free AquaMassages; Barry Sparks and the Arvada Great Harvest Bakery for all the baked goods and the Blue Parrot Restaurant for two $15 gift certificates. Running Guru CEO Amanda Joiner served as official race photographer. Race participants should visit runningguru.com to see their photo for purchase.