Long-time valley residents Danny Feria and Edgar Garcia Veleta recently completed the Colfax Marathon in Denver, marking a milestone in both their running journeys and longtime friendship.
The two had hoped to run a marathon together for more than a year after previously preparing for a race in Hawaii. Finishing the Colfax Marathon became a testament to their perseverance, discipline and commitment to reaching the finish line together.
Organized by the Colfax Marathon Partnership, the event is considered the “largest marathon weekend in the Rocky Mountains,” according to their website, drawing more than 25,000 runners of all ages and experience levels to the 26.2-mile run.
Feria, who grew up on the border of Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, and El Paso, has lived in the Roaring Fork Valley for about 23 years. Garcia Veleta, originally from Durango, Mexico, has also lived in the valley for more than two decades. The two met in middle school and have remained close friends for over 20 years.
For Feria, the race marked his first marathon experience.
“It was fun, tough and difficult, but there was a lot of great community support,” Feria said. “The people in the neighborhoods we ran through showed a lot of support.”
Garcia Veleta, who completed his seventh marathon, described the race as both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s always nerve-racking,” he said. “It’s difficult and challenging, but the process is cool, especially being cheered on by spectators.”
Running became an important personal goal for both friends during adulthood. Feria began running during the pandemic while searching for a new hobby, while Garcia Veleta found himself drawn to the sport during a period of unemployment.
“I had a lot of extra time, and it spiraled into what it is today,” Garcia Veleta said.
Both runners agree there is no perfect age or moment to start running.
“Showing up is half the battle,” Garcia Veleta said. “It’s about maintaining consistency, showing up and surrounding yourself with people who share the same goals.”
Feria echoed that message.
“It’s about taking one step at a time and believing in yourself,” he said. “Keep pushing yourself to new limits. You’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish.”
The friends maintained a friendly competition throughout the marathon, with Feria ultimately finishing just one second ahead of Garcia Veleta. Feria crossed the finish line at 5 hours, 54 minutes and 51 seconds, placing 2,756th out of 2,936 runners, while Garcia Veleta finished immediately behind him in 2,757th place.
“I thought he was more affected by the race than he showed,” Garcia Veleta shared. “He mentioned having cramps, and I could see the physical strain. I was surprised by the speed at the end. I didn’t have enough time to catch up.”
Feria laughed as he reflected on the sprint to the finish line.
“I surprised myself because I was physically exhausted,” he said. “We were walking, and then we decided to run the last two miles. We agreed to sprint at the end. I felt like I was going to puke crossing the finish line.”
Both friends credit consistency and companionship for helping them prepare for the race.
“When I started running, I could barely run a mile,” Feria said. “I just focused on trying. Then I could run 13, then 20, and so on.”
Garcia Veleta aims to run at least 100 miles each month. He plans to participate in another running event in Aspen this July and hopes to compete in the 50th anniversary of the New York City Marathon in November.
For Feria, completing the marathon represented a personal milestone after dealing with health issues last year that prevented the pair from participating together in Hawaii.
“I’m crossing my fingers that this wasn’t just a one-off,” Feria said. “I think we’ll run another marathon together again. Right now, I just want to get back to enjoying running.”