Duriel Hardy edges out Bobby Mack in the Beat the Heat 5K. Not seen is Tibor Vegh, who placed fifth. The win would ultimately serve as a tie-breaker between Hardy and Vegh, who each finished the season with 6 points. Photo by Robert Hill
Caitlin Bullock won the Women’s Division in the NC-USATF Endurance Magazine Long Distance Series for the third consecutive year, making her reign as champion the longest since the series was sponsored by Endurance Magazine. In the Men’s Division, Tibor Vegh ran a 2:35:11 at the Outer Banks Marathon to tie Duriel Hardy for first, but series director Jason Bryant awarded the Men’s Division title to Hardy, who bested Vegh earlier in the year at the Beat the Heat 5K.
In the Men’s Masters Division, two-time champion Chad Newton was finally unseated by Colin Jones, who dominated the season both in points and races run. Jones’ 11 points and 5 races were the most among the top 10 runners, male or female, in each division. The Women’s Masters Division saw a close race to crown a champion. Lorraine Young won the Women’s Masters Division title by scoring 6 points on victories in the Running of the Bulls 8K and the Continental Divide Trail Race. Three other runners were tied for second with 5 points.
