Pearson outlasts Lara at Michigan Pro Half Marathon

Morgan Pearson, 27, of Boulder and Frank Lara (Roots Running Project, 25) of Boulder finished first and second, respectively at the Michigan Pro Half this morning.  Nine (9) other Coloradans took part in the special invitational event for professional runners. The event was organized by the Hanson Brooks Distance Project in Stony Creek Metro Park just nort of Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Pearson and Lara were part of an ultra competitive dash to the line with the top four finishers all crossing within three seconds of each other.  Pearson, making his debut at the half marathon distance, eked out the win running 1:02:15.  Lara finished just two seconds back in 1:02:17.  He was closely followed across the line by Northern Arizona Elite teammates Tyler Day (1:02:17) and Scott Fauble (1:02:18).

2020 Team USA member Jake Riley (Team Boulder, 31) of Boulder finished sixth running 1:02:29, a career best by 27 seconds.  Sydney Gidabuday (Tinman Elite, 24) of Boulder finished eighth running 1:02:32.  Will Cross (Roots Running Project, 27) of Longmont finished 20th in 1:05:19.

In the women's race Melissa Dock (Team Boulder, 38) of Boulder, making her debut at the half marathon distance, led the way for the Coloradans as she finished sixth running 1:12:50.  She was closely followed across the line by fellow Boulderites  Alia Gray (Roots Running Project, 31) in seventh place and Carrie Verdon (Team Boulder, 26) in eighth place.  Gray stopped the clock at 1:13:01 while Verdon set a career best of 1:13:11. Lexi Zeis (Roots Running Project, 24) of Boulder finished 12th running 1:14:19.    The women's race was won by Keira D'Amato of Virginia in 1:08:57.

Complete race results can be found here.