Pioneer Marathon Showcases Area Runners Across All Distances

by Derek White

Runners from across northwest Kansas and beyond gathered in Colby on Saturday, April 26, to compete in the 2025 Pioneer Marathon events. Participants raced across four distances — 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Full Marathon — showing determination and endurance on a cool, breezy morning.

In the 5K race, Sydney Busse of Saint Francis captured the women’s overall title, finishing first with a time of 27:40.3. She was closely followed by Rebekah Mattson of Colby, who clocked in at 28:03.6. Brittany Lamb of Saint Francis took third in 31:15.1, while Kim Cox of Sharon Springs finished fourth in 32:14.2. Karis Hoover of Brewster rounded out the top five with a time of 32:57.9.

Other notable 5K women's finishers included Madeline Hendricks of Bird City (34:58.9), Rebecca Rains of Weskan (35:50.0), Shelley O'Connor of Hartfield, Virginia (40:03.0), and Jessica Bugbee of Colby (50:22.6).

In the men's 5K, Michael Ruiz of Colby topped the field with a winning time of 44:30.0, followed by Gabe Hoover of Brewster in 46:46.1.

The 10K division also showcased strong performances. In the women’s 10K, ShayLinn Zweygardt of Saint Francis won in 51:09.5, followed by Emily Loyd (59:55.3) and Sara Wilson (1:01:04.7), both also from Saint Francis. Barbara Hoover of Brewster finished fourth (1:04:07.9), and Kendra Garner of Victoria claimed fifth (1:06:17.7). Colby’s Joan Johnson placed sixth (1:06:45.9), Brianna McCollum seventh (1:10:24.3), and Jennifer Butler of Olathe eighth (1:16:58.6).

The men’s 10K saw Dylon Niswanger of Wallace win in an impressive 40:32.8, followed by Ryan McLemore of Colby in second with a time of 52:26.2.

In the Half Marathon, Faith Hoover of Brewster claimed the women’s title with a time of 2:05:05.2. Heidi Plumb of Saint Francis finished second in 2:30:30.0, and Ashley Weycer of Denver took third (2:46:24.2). On the men's side, Brooks Wachs of Colby won the half marathon, crossing the line in 1:43:38.3. Kenny Hernandez, also of Colby, finished second (2:15:30.5), and Howard Mullis of Burlington placed third (2:27:55.9).

The Full Marathon saw a local champion as well. Nicolas Hoover of Brewster finished first among the men in 3:58:54.9. Terran Freauff of Colby was second in 4:07:11.1, and Sheri Staab of Colby led the women with a time of 4:29:42.0. Semida Ott of Bothell, Washington, finished second among women (4:43:03.0), and Mary Ritz of Cody, Wyoming, placed third (5:54:42.1). Amanda Cross of Colby also completed the marathon, crossing in 5:59:40.6.

Runners praised the supportive atmosphere and well-organized event, making the 2025 Pioneer Marathon a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.