Durango Running Club Annual Awards
Each year, we celebrate the incredible achievements of our club members with our winter DRC Awards Ceremony. Meet your 2025 winners:
Female Runner of the Year: Robyn lesh
Robyn had a year of excellent performances all around the world, culminating with a 4th place female finish at JFK 50 miler in November in the most competitive field the race had seen. Even more impressively, she’s been able to maintain her individual training and lifestyle of a professional athlete, while also remaining an active community member and coach for the Running Club,
Male Runner of the Year: Mike kubicek
Mike had many impressive race showings this year, and pushed himself in such a wide variety - from a 1:26 half marathon to winning a trail 5k to rugged mountain marathon distances, Mike was able to excel at it all! You can currently find him training for the Boston Marathon after his qualifying time last year, maybe even with his loyal training partner/dog, Pablo.
FEMALE Performance of the Year: sarah ostaszewski
With many impressive race results this year, Sarah won this performance of the year award because of her particularly inspiring performance at Moab 240 in October. The race covers 240 miles of Moab’s varied terrain, from slickrock to the high mountains, with over 31,000 feet of climbing. She finished 5th overall and 1st woman, with a time of 76:57:52, setting a new women’s course record!
MALE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: KYLE CURTIn
Kyle added to his plethora of impressive running accomplishments this year by running home… from Denver, on the Colorado Trail. Stretching nearly 500 miles with over 90,000 feet of vertical gain, the CT runs between Denver and Durango, covering every sub-range in between. Kyle set a new Fastest Known Time - in any direction, or via any variation - of 6 days, 15 hours, and 8 minutes.
Volunteer of the Year: kara hellige
Kara has been a consistent member of our running community for years, and is always willing to lead group runs or support with local races. More importantly, she’s been a consistent friend, training partner, and listener to all who ask. You can likely find her at the 6 am morning runs!
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: ROBERT MARKS
Rob has been responsible for so much behind the scenes work with the Running Club. Those 6 am morning runs didn’t used to exist - until he had the idea! He’s also the co-director of the local Kennebec Mountain Run, and served as the Vice President of the club for years.
Sponsor of the Year: DURANGO RUNNING COMPANY
Durango Running Club is practically synonymous with Durango Running Company, and its owner Brett Sublett. Brett has been a lifelong runner and local coach, he graciously hosts many of the Club’s events and supports local races, and has inspired the love of running in so much of our community.
Past DRC Award Winners
2024 WINNERS:
Male Runner of the Year: Bill Benac
Female Runner of the Year: Sara Cooley
Performance of the Year: Joe Storc
Volunteer of the Year: Stephanie Barnett
Sponsor of the Year: Backcountry Experience
2023 Winners:
Male Runner of the Year: Jared Wolf
Female Runner of the Year: Caitlin Jones
Performance of the Year: Liz Haubert
Volunteer of the Year: Brendan Trimboli
Community Partner of the Year: TBK Bank
2022 Winners:
Male Runner of the Year: Victor Ruggiero
Female Runner of the Year: Marisa Asplund
Youth Runner of the Year: Lucy Ruggiero
Female Performance of the Year: Seana Green
Male Performance of the Year: Cameron Winters
Volunteer of the Year: Nate Brush
Community Partner of the Year: Coca-Cola