Running
Marathon
42.2 km
Pikes Peak Ascent
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Trail in United States, Manitou Springs
Distances
Running
Ascent
21.5 km
Start: Sep 21, 07:00 AM
175.00 EUR
About
A grueling 13.3‑mile race from Manitou Springs to the 14,115‑foot summit of Pikes Peak and back, featuring ~7,800 ft of vertical gain on the historic Barr Trail. Known as "America's Ultimate Challenge," it attracts elite competitors and offers cash prizes and free entries for past winners.
Catering & aid stations
Water, Tailwind Hydration, fruit, candy, and pretzels at aid stations. 2025 introduction: Boost Energy Gel from Naak Nutrition. Emphasis on electrolyte intake to avoid dehydration and low sodium.
Pacers
The Pacesetter/Pacer program aligns with the Renntag schedule: the top 90 men and top 90 women form the 1st wave, and subsequent waves are populated by runners based on estimated ascent times submitted at registration. Use your prior race results (Ascent or Marathon within the last 4 years preferred) to set your estimated time; you may update until August 1 for a better result. Pacer flags identify target times per wave on race day.
Typical weather in Manitou Springs
Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).
Jan41°15°
↑ 07:17
↓ 17:01
Feb42°15°
↑ 06:52
↓ 17:37
Mar51°23°
↑ 07:11
↓ 19:07
Apr59°30°
↑ 06:23
↓ 19:37
May68°41°
↑ 05:47
↓ 20:06
Jun80°51°
↑ 05:34
↓ 20:27
Jul85°57°
↑ 05:47
↓ 20:24
Aug82°56°
↑ 06:14
↓ 19:55
Sep76°49°
↑ 06:42
↓ 19:08
Oct63°36°
↑ 07:10
↓ 18:21
Nov51°25°
↑ 06:43
↓ 16:46
Dec42°16°
↑ 07:12
↓ 16:39
Route maps
What's included in entry
- Registration
- Aid stations on course
- Summit shuttle bus back to Manitou Springs
Prices & signup
- Ascent175.00 EUR
FAQ
When does registration open and what are the deadlines?
Pre-registration for 2025/2026 opens in January 2026 (invite-only for past deferrers until Feb 28, 2026). General registration opens March 1, 2026 at 5:00 AM MST. Registrations close when each race sells out; a waitlist may be available. July 31, 2026 is the deferral deadline for 2027.
What are the qualification options for the Ascent and Marathon?
Submit one self-timed 10+ mile outdoor run (GPS recorded) or a sanctioned event result. Qualifiers include past Pikes Peak finishes (Ascent <6:30, Marathon <10:00 within 4 years), or other qualifying ultra/trail races meeting distance/elevation or ITRA point criteria. Top 90 men and women place in the 1st wave; subsequent waves use estimated ascent times.
What is the course like and what should I expect?
The course begins in Manitou Springs, runs 1.5 miles on road, then joins Barr Trail in Pike National Forest for a sustained ~11% average grade traverse above tree line to the 14,115 ft summit. Turnaround and finish are in Manitou Springs. Expect rocks, dirt, gravel, roots, narrow and single-track sections; no exposed ledges. Aid stations provide water, Tailwind, fruit, candy, pretzels, and Boost Gels. Average descent time is ~63% of ascent time.
What should I bring and how can I prepare?
Mandatory gear is outlined on the race page; expect rapidly changing mountain weather and an 11% average grade. Use the provided estimator for your flatland marathon time (add 30 minutes if not training at altitude). Arrive with dry gear and warm layers at the summit; packets/bags are marked by bib for pickup at aid stations or on the bus.
Last updated: Jun 6, 2026, 12:32:35 AM
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