Pikes Peak Marathon

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The Pikes Peak Marathon is a foot race that begins at the base of Pikes Peak, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and climbs over 7,700 feet (2347 meters) to the top of the 14,115 foot (4300 meter) tall peak. Since 1966, the race has occurred each year in the late summer and involves a day for the ascent race (half-marathon), and a day for the round-trip race (full marathon).

Because of the nature of the run (dirt trails, rock, and other natural obstacles) and the high altitude, the race is considered to be much more difficult than standard 26.2-mile (42-km) marathons. This is attested to by the best times for the round trip being typically just under 4 hours (versus the regular "flat land" marathon times of just over 2 hours). Although the average grade of the slope is 11%, some sections are much steeper because the central portion of the race is actually relatively flat. The initial three miles are very steep. The central 7 miles start as rolling terrain, but become progressively steeper toward the end. The top 3 miles are above timberline and often require some rock scrambling to reach the summit. Oxygen tensions drop progressively as altitude rises, further compounding the uphill ordeal.

The history of the race dates to 1956 when 3 smokers challenged 10 non-smokers to complete the over-26 mile race. None of the three smokers had completed the course. ^[1] In 1966 a well-organized marathon was initiated, making the race one of the older existing marathons in the United States.

Currently, the race typically attracts hundreds of runners for both the ascent and for the round-trip. The USDA Forest Service limits the number of runners to 1,800 for the ascent and 800 for the marathon, and the race registration typically fills in one or two days.

Winning race times may differ significantly from year to year, often depending on weather and trail conditions. Some races have been associated with hot, dry conditions, and others have been associated with snow and cold at the top of the peak.