Sidney runners place in Monument half marathon

More than 420 long-distance runners from over 20 states competed Saturday, Sept. 28 in the Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon and Half Marathon, running through some of the best scenery Nebraska has to offer.

Capturing the full marathon men’s and women’s titles for the second year, was husband and wife duo Sam and Jennifer Malmberg, of Fort Collins, Colo.  Sam’s winning time was 2:49.24, with Jennifer coming in at 3:21.11, both setting new course records.

Joe Wilson, of Lingle, Wyo., placed second in the Male Full Division in 2:58.05, with Matthew Babcock, of Superior, Colo. coming in third at 3:08.29.

Heather Sturdivant, Littleton, Colo. came in second in the female full division in 3:28.18, Meghan Schneider, Scottsbluff, was third with a 3:48:53.

In the half marathon, Aaron Carrizales, Gering, ran an impressive half marathon, winning the men’s division in 1:18:21, with James McGown of Sidney, placing second, with a 1:20:29.  Doug Agne, Lakewood, Colo. placed third, with 1:27:51.

Courtney Madson, Laramie, Wyo. won the female half marathon with 1:39:59, with Sarah Stahl, Bellevue, coming in second in 1:42.51 and Kristin Schmidt, Sidney, coming in at 1:43:00.   

This is the second year of the event planned by the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation, the Star Herald, and a group of volunteers who have been working since last year’s inaugural race to make this year’s event a success.  The event title sponsor, Platte Valley Companies, provided both financial and volunteer support, as did many of the other event's numerous sponsors. 

"This event, which raises funds to support WNCC students, was a success because of the tremendous support it had from our western Nebraska community, from individuals, from governmental entities, and from businesses.  We owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone involved," said Dayle Wallien, WNCC Foundation Executive Director.  

Platte Valley Companies President and CEO, Hod Kosman stated, “It shows how our community comes together to put on a wonderful event and I’m very proud of our community and how we treat visitors who come from so far away to enjoy our area and our marathon.”