By Katy Human
Camera Staff Writer

Rob Knapp couldn't hold back. Despite the city's pleas to save water, the 31-year-old kept up his six-year tradition of hosing down Bolder Boulder runners at the four-mile mark on Pine Street.

"I consider it a humanitarian effort," Knapp said as runners ran through the spray and called out their thanks. "Look! It's the will of the people."

More than 40,000 people took to Boulder's streets Monday on foot and in wheelchair, under mostly sunny skies and temperatures that climbed to 80 degrees. The annual Memorial Day footrace passed with few glitches, race director Cliff Bosely said.

There were hundreds of flags, as usual; a dozen belly dancers gyrated near the intersection of Folsom Street and Valmont Road; and a stiltwalker strode through the crowd of runners. Local bands — impressive and otherwise — entertained runners along the route.

David and Jenny Slade floated up the Folsom hill near the beginning of the race, she in a gauzy ensemble of white tulle over white running shorts. The couple married last night in her parent's Boulder back yard.

"Jenny Slade. That sounds good," said David, grinning at his wife as people nearby cheered.

Doug Bond, 37, of Longmont and his 11-year-old daughter ran together in honor of Bond's grandfather, Leroy Underwood, who served in Germany in World War II.

"He died just last fall," Bond said. "I'm thinking about him today."

Seven marimba players — students at Lafayette's Kutandara Center — wowed people in the final leg of the race on Folsom Street with resonant African compositions.

Race director Bosely said a handful of participants suffered heat stroke and dehydration this year, but no more than normal. In 2000, when temperatures soared into the mid-90s, about 20 people were taken to the hospital, he said.

This year's most serious incident involved University of Colorado regent Jim Martin, who collapsed at the finish line of the citizen's race, apparently suffering from a blood clot.

Martin was admitted to intensive care at Boulder Community Hospital but was in a regular care room by early afternoon in stable condition.

Martin, 51, ran his last marathon just last month in Boston and has run every one but the first Bolder Boulder. He ran in the A wave in the citizen race this year; racers in that first wave must run 6.2 miles in less than 38 minutes.

CU president Betsy Hoffman said she was "stunned" to hear of Martin's collapse.

"Jim is always an inspiration for those of us who simply try to finish this formidable race," said Hoffman, who walked the Bolder Boulder. "My husband, Brian (Binger), and I extend our love and prayers to Judy and the entire Martin family."

Dylan Olchin of Granby won the men's citizen's race, with a time of 30:49. Second and third were Jens Borrmann of Germany at 31:15 and Nelson Laux of Gunnison at 31:32

Lilly Guerra of Ecuador and Boulder won the women's citizen's race, with a time of 35:22. Second and third were Faith Byrum of Boulder at 35:24 and Patty Murray of Boulder at 35:52.

Winners in the men's wheelchair race: Saul Mendoza of Mexico won his fifth Bolder Boulder with a time of 19:52; Aaron Gordian of Mexico at 21:20; Jacob Heilveil of Bothell, Wash., at 23:11.

Winners of the women's wheelchair race: Ariadne Hernandez of Mexico at 26:16; Cheri Blauwet of Tucson, Ariz., at 27:06; Cheri Becerra Madsen of Omaha, Neb., at 31:07.

Contact Katy Human at (303) 473-1364 or humank@thedailycamera.com.

May 28, 2002

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