Strong Start to the 2025 Colorado LDR Grand Prix at Cookie Chase 5K

Grand Prix Standings

The 2025 USATF Colorado Long Distance Running Grand Prix launched in exciting fashion on July 12 with the Cookie Chase 5K. With more than $10,000 in prize money on the line across the series, the opening event delivered high-caliber performances and spirited competition in all divisions.

Early Season Team Battles Heat Up

In the women’s team competition, Fort Collins Running Club made a powerful statement. Led by standout age graded scores from Shelley McDonald, 43, (17:51; 83.85% age graded score) and Kierran Toth, 41, (18;29; 79.79% age graded score) the squad captured the team victory; followed by the 5280 Distance Project and Boulder Road Runners, respectively. 

On the men’s side, the Boulder Road Runners, led by Frank Zoldak, 58, (16:32; 94.36% age graded score) took the win with the Fort Collins Running Club taking second. Boulder won the 2023 Grand Prix cup and are looking to regain the cup after finishing second to the 5280 Distance Project last year.

Open Division Highlights

The Open division races delivered elite-level performances as Danielle Orie (unattached), a recent Colorado transplant from New York, captured the women’s title in 16:33. She was followed across the line by Carmen Graves (Denver Athletics, 16:57) and Katie Nolan (5280 Distance Project, 17:37).

Ryder Searle (5280 Distance Project) won the men’s crown stopping the clock in a very quick 14:23. He was followed across the line by Alec Baldwin (14:53) and Alex Holm (15:07).

Masters Division Standouts

In the Masters competition, Kristine Clark, 63, (Athletics Boulder) earned the Women’s Age-Graded title with a world class score of 93.47. She was follwed by her Athletics Boulder teammate Tina Gini Larter, 57, who scored 85.70 and Shelley McDonald, 43, (Fort Collins Running Club) with a score of 84.08.

For the men, Frank Zoldak (Boulder Road Runners) claimed the Age-Graded title with a world class score of 94.36. Anthony Bruns, 45. (Boulder Road Runners) also turned in a world class score (91.00). Jeffrey Eggleston, 40, (Square State Striders) finished third with a score of 88.51.

Next Up: Mountain Avenue Mile

The 2025 Grand Prix continues with the Mountain Avenue Mile in Fort Collins—a unique, fast, and festive event that’s become a staple of Colorado’s summer racing scene. More information on the Mountain Avenue Mile can be found here.

Stay tuned throughout the season as the Grand Prix heats up across Colorado’s premier road and trail events. Whether you’re chasing prize money, team titles, or personal bests, the 2025 Grand Prix is your stage! Visit the Grand Prix page for all the information you are looking for.