Alex Nichols blew away the field in the 2010 Summer Roundup Trail Run on Saturday, charging to victory in 45 minutes, 34 seconds.
Nichols, 25, who runs for the Colorado Running Company, took the lead about a mile into the race and never trailed.
After about 1,000 feet of climbing, he guessed that he had a 30 second lead at the turn-around point on High Drive.
"I was still a little worried," he said. "You never want to get too comfortable in a race. I tried to keep running hard.
Michael Selig of Lakewood placed second in 47:33.
In the women's race, Ashlee Nelson, who also runs for the Colorado Running Company, stormed to the win in 54:10.
Nelson, 29, of Colorado Springs said the steeps on High Drive were tough, but she prefers running up-hill.
"I don't run down very well," she said. "I really have to focus to get my turnover just right."
Cynthia Arnold of Glennwood Springs placed second among the women runners with a time of 55:50.