By John Meyer (for The Denver Post),
HAIS Welday of Eritrea, who came to Denver a week ago, won the 10th annual Colfax Half Marathon race in one hour, 6 minutes, 44 seconds to break the record set in 2012 by Patrick Rizzo by a minute and 25 seconds.
Rizzo, who ran the Los Angeles Marathon (2:21:54) two months ago in 90-degree temperatures has lost more than the race today. He lost his course record, as well.
“At about 5K, I knew I was struggling a little bit more than I really should be for a half marathon,” said Rizzo, 31, a resident of Colorado Springs. “I knew my fitness was going to inhibit me. I’m not out of shape, but I’m not race ready.”
Welday, 25, saw Rizzo early but dropped him easily.
“There was somebody there, there is good guy that was going with me for three miles,” Welday said. “After that I am going alone.”
Even winners humbled — Nicole Chyr won the women’s marathon for the fourth time in five years but it “felt awful.” The Highlands Ranch runner finished in 3 hours, 2 minutes, 4 seconds.
Record turnout (1,900+) and perfect weather for the Colfax 5K in Denver this morning. @runcolfax #running #denver pic.twitter.com/7udo938AIE
— Jayme Moye (@JaymeMoye) May 16, 2015
* Edited by TesfaNews
