Dramatic Battle To the Finish Line at the Leadville Trail 100

Defending champions, an attempt at the course record, new runners, and veteran runners created many questions and anticipation prior to the Leadville Trail 100 mile race. Race day, the talented group of athletes gave outstanding performances spawning lead changes throughout making the race nothing short of pure excitement. After an unfortunate drop-out by race leader, Anton Krupicka, at mile 70, the drama increased as first place was then up for grabs. After a few intense lead changes, Timmy Parr of Gunnison, CO overcame unimaginable terrain, unusual hot weather, altitude, and competition to take top finish at the 27th ‘Race Across the Sky’ in 17:27:23 (unofficial time). Nick Lewis, of Memphis, TN, took second place at his first ever 100 mile race in 17:44:26 (unofficial time). Vasque trail team member and returning champion, Duncan Callahan finished in 3rd place in 18:26:40. Vasque Product Manager, Brian Hall, also gave a strong performance at his first 100 mile race, and finished the course that travels along mountain roads, forest trails, and up to the 12,600ft summit of Hope Pass.

Callahan said of the event, “this was an incredible race. Tony is a true champion and I was bummed he had to drop out; I wish him a speedy recovery. Also; a huge congrats to Tim Parr for his victory; he truly came back from the dead, and I am in awe of his mental strength. It was a real battle out there, and I am honored to have been a part of it.”

Callahan ran the entire 100 miles in Vasque’s new trail runner, the Transistor, set to hit retail shelves next spring. “After running 100 miles on brutally varied terrain without even having to re-adjust my shoes, my feet are the only part of my body that does not hurt,” stated Callahan.

The Vasque presence at the event was very strong. A sponsor of the Leadville Trail 100 series, Vasque had several team members including Brand Manager, Chris Speak, Marketing Manager, Sarah Pitts, Vasque trail team member, Bryan Dayton, and Public Relations Manager, Coral Darby, traveled to and stayed in the area for over a week to support and cheer on these remarkable athletes. Pitts, Dayton, and Darby, who crewed and paced for Hall, joined him as he crossed the finish line at the 29th hour. After Hall finished his first 100 mile race he was asked if he would ever do it again, to this he replied, “in a heartbeat.”

These top female finishers gave an amazing performance: Lynette Clemons of Leadville, CO (20:58:01), Jamie Donaldson of Littleton, CO (21:53:37) and Darcy Africa of Boulder, CO (21:55:22).

Callahan has had immense success this year. Already this season, the young athlete earned the top finish at the notable Moab 100, a third-place finish at the Sage Burner 50k as well as an impressive third-place finish in the Leadville Trail Marathon in July.

To learn more about Callahan, his race schedule, training, and race successes visit www.duncancallahanrunning.com

photo provided by: Rob O’Dea

About Vasque
For over 40 years, Vasque has crafted high-quality, performance-driven footwear for the outdoor market with a line that includes specialized footwear for trail running, crossover, hiking, backpacking, alpine pursuits and kids. With an unyielding commitment to innovation, Vasque focuses on fit and world-class performance as the core pillars in every product they produce. Company product-testing takes place through a team of exceptional athletes who report directly from trails all over the world, resulting in product that withstands the test of time and the hardest conditions and wear. To illustrate the “Vasque Fit” story, the company has brought on the Master of Fit™ to narrate, in a series of videos, exactly what it takes to become an award-winning footwear manufacturer.

To view the Master of Fit in action visit: www.youtube.com/user/vasquefootwear

For more information on all Vasque products, go to www.vasque.com