In the fifth World Series trial, Dapit and Favre take the titles in the famous Colorado marathon

August 22, 2005 - Jebb maintains the ranking leadership, but Dapit is closing the gap, now in second place. Corinne Favre leads the women’s ranking.

The challenge between smokers and non smokers that started America’s first high altitude race fifty years ago, the Pikes Peak Marathon, took an unusual turn, Sunday.

Long-time skyrunner, Danelle Ballangee and new promise, Galen Burrell, both from Colorado, defended their country honourably, both placing second.

But the prestigious victory in the race’s fiftieth anniversary, for the second year America’s representative in the Buff® Skyrunner® World Series, went to French runner Corrine Favre in 4h31’20”, who battled with former American champions Danelle Ballangee and Erica Larson, overtaking both on the descent from the 4,200m summit of the 26 mile race.

In the men’s division, Fulvio Dapit from Italy together with Galen Burrell led the pack, Dapit reaching the summit first, followed by Italian Marco Rusconi in third position. On the descent the three runners alternated the lead, but their positions remained unchanged at the finish, with Dapit finishing in 3h58’49” – a satisfactory time but far from the record set by the legendary Matt Carpenter in 316’ (who won the Leadville 100 the same day and setting a new record.)

The game’s not over however, as the scene is set to welcome the next challenge and second last trial of the Buff® Skyrunner® World Series, in Lecco in Italy, with the Sentiero delle Grigne on September 18, where Jebb and Favre, even if they manage to maintain their current ranking, will have to race in the final in Malaysia in October, where double points are awarded to the winner.

Photos. Home: Dapit below the summit. Top: Galen Burrell and Fulvio Dapit celebrate. Above: Corrine Favre at the finish.

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