Hobbs third at World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Ireland

Results

Three (3) Colorado members were among the 26 athletes from the U.S. that competed over the weekend at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships in Clonmel, Ireland.  677 athletes from 25 countries, ages 35-79, competed in the championships that offered age division wave starts so the athletes were truly competing against their fellow division competitors.  
  Competing in the women's 60-64 division, Nancy Hobbs (pictured above), 62, of Colorado Springs was one of only two Americans to earn a podium finish.  Hobbs finished third running 55:23 over the 8.4 km course that included 503m in net elevation gain.  Ana Cristina Aguado Mori of Spain was the division winner in 52:18 with Elisa Pellicioli of Italy taking the silver medal; just over 1 minute ahead of Hobbs.  

IN THEIR WORDS - Nancy Hobbs

World Masters is one of my favorite events. Aside from the competitive nature which I relish, there is a camaraderie among the participants where friendships across nations are built and thrive. The venues are always inviting, the hosts welcoming, and the courses challenging. This year's event was a prime example with just the right mixture of pavement, elevation gain, descents on grassy trail and single track, forested paths, tree roots and rocks. After not racing a few years at Masters, I wanted to return with a podium-worthy performance and I met my goal of a top-three finish. I'm super happy with my result​.

  Chris Grauch (pictured above), 49, of Nederland finished fifth in the 45-49 division. Grauch, just 20 days away from turning 50, ran 49:03 on the 10.5 km course.  He was only 42 seconds behind the third place finisher and a trip to the awards podium. The divsion was won by Adam Osbourne of Great Britain in a time of 48:10.

Miguel Gomez, 42, of Golden finished 35th in the men's 40-44 division.

For the complete Colorado Results Scoreboard click here.

The 2023 World Masters Mountain Running Championships will be held September 17 in Madeira, Portugal