After an evening of rainy weather, 77 runners arrived at the Cortez Cultural Center on April 25 to take part in the 21st annual Pueblo to Pueblo Run.
Before the start, competitors could be heard commenting on the joys of running in cool damp weather, and once the event started, it appeared as if everyone was having an enjoyable experience.
“I think that everything went well,” said race director Sensa Wolcott. “We had about 130 runners last year and only 77 this year. I think that had a bit to do with the weather and all the changes we had here (at the Cultural Center).”
Among the races that took place as part of this year’s Pueblo to Pueblo was a short “kid’s race,” which attracted several energetic youngsters who appeared more than eager to get their feet wet.
Tommy Gilliland finished first and after sprinting across the finish line and gasping for air, the 9-year old recapped his race using the following words:
“I was running and then a girl passed me about five times. I had to re-pass her and then I won.”
Also taking place as part of this year’s Pueblo to Pueblo was a 5K run, which was won by Fort Lewis College senior Whitney Lewis. Using her long stride, Lewis completed the course in 22 minutes and 16 seconds.
“I really enjoyed it,” said Lukas. “The course was great, everything was marked, and the people were watching the big intersections, which was helpful. They are really putting on a good thing over here.”
Eleven-year-old Dolores Middle School student Tim Wyman was the first male to cross the line in the 5K (27:37), and Dove Creek High School senior Tyler Knuckles finished third (27:40).
“I felt like I did pretty well today,” said Wyman, who runs for his middle school team. “I pushed it way harder than I usually do. I just kept a good pace.”
“I think that if I would have been in better shape, I could have kept up a little better,” Knuckles said. “I had fun though.”
In the half-marathon event of this year’s Pueblo to Pueblo, Logan Ott finished first with a time of 1 hour, 15 minutes. Katie Cooley was the first female across the line, completing the course that started at the Anasazi Heritage Center in 1 hour, 37 minutes and 10 seconds.
Quinn Simmons won the 50-mile bike race, Scott Simmons finished second, and Dylan Schwindt placed third.
“I think that everything went well,” said Wolcott. “It seemed like everybody had fun. I’m sure that the Pueblo to Pueblo will be back again next year.”
Everything went well,” said Wolcott. “It seemed like everybody had fun. I’m sure that the Pueblo to Pueblo will be back again next year.”