On September 16-17, athletes from 17 countries and 48 states will run America’s most challenging marathon and half marathon. An anticipated 800 runners will participate in the marathon on Sunday and 1800 runners will compete in the half marathon ascent on Saturday.
Founded in 1956, the Pikes Peak Marathon is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States. The race begins in Manitou Springs and runners run to the summit of Pikes Peak before descending back down for a total 26.2 miles. The half marathon Pikes Peak Ascent climbs 7,815 vertical feet and 13.3 miles from Manitou Springs to the summit.
What began as a dare in 1956 from Dr. Arne Suominen, who wanted to prove that smoking hindered physical endurance, has come to be known as one of the most challenging marathons in the world. In 2023, The Pikes Peak Marathon was named the #1 marathon in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Marathons in the United States.
Challenging on Many Fronts
Both the ascent and the marathon present a challenging race in different ways. Training for the ascent is focused on the uphill climb while the marathon adds the challenge of both the additional 13 miles and the downhill. The altitude, terrain and weather put runners to the test with huge temperature swings between the base of the mountain and the summit and the ever-present threat of altitude sickness.
Kathy Hubel, office manager for Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc., says, “Mastering nutritional and hydration intake is really key for this race. In addition, the trail itself is technical with rocks, roots and different grades of terrain. Both races present really unique challenges, none of which are easy.”
For Some, It’s a Once in a Lifetime Run
The majority of race competitors are local to Colorado and the immediate Pikes Peak area. For many of them including Sarah Fischer, this year’s race will not be their first. Fischer ran the marathon once before and has run the ascent multiple times, but she always has wanted to challenge herself by running the double (running the ascent on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday).
“I just want to run the double one time," Fischer says. "I want to finish both races. This will be my first and probably only time running both.”
For other runners, the race represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Running groups from other states will train and travel together for a chance to race on America’s mountain.
The event kicks off on Thursday at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs and ends with the post-race party and awards ceremony on Sunday at Soda Springs Park in Manitou Springs. All events are open to the public.
Website: https://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/
Facebook + Instagram: @pikespeakmarathon