XTERRA Blackhawk Race Report

By Todd Scott, XTERRA Rep

What a great way to just about wrap up the XTERRA America Tour!  The weather and venue for XTERRA Blackhawk exceeded expectations as the racers were treated to one of the most scenic Midwest courses.

The still waters of Big Blue Lake greeted the swimmers as they circled the buoys for the half-mile swim.  The field spread out quickly with relay racer Steve Leatherman leading out local pro Ryan DeCook.

But DeCook quickly snagged the front position on the bike.  You certainly couldn't tell he was breaking in a new mountain bike as he tore through the course posting the faster split of the day at just over an hour - a time that had local riders shaking their heads.  Right behind him was perennial favorite Jim James.  James was in a tight head-to-head match up with North Central Region leader Brad Myers.

Leading all women from start to finish was Sarah Gall of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Incredibly, she posted the fastest swim, bike, and run splits for the day.  Gall finished tenth overall and had the third fastest run split on the course.    Marne Smiley came through in second place with Ellen Sauter in third.

The big shakeup among the men came during the run.  DeCook bonked badly at the halfway mark of the run.  While the top racers closed the gap to first, it was the top-notch running of Scott Gall (Sarah's husband!) that propelled him into first.   On his tail and striding through the pack was Yaro Middaugh who moved into second, about a half minute down on Gall.  With a little help from Gu, DeCook recovered enough to round out the top three spots.

If it's not the first time it's certainly rare that a husband and wife can take overall victories among men and women.  Given the way they pulled their magic at Blackhawk, it may not be so rare in the future.

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