The Pikes Peak Marathon, founded in 1956, is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States, taking runners from Manitou Springs, Colorado, to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, and back down for a total of 26.2 grueling mountain miles. It and its sister race, the Pikes Peak Ascent, each climb about 7,800 vertical feet up the historic Barr Trail on the east face of the mountain. The Ascent, which climbs 13.3 miles to finish at the summit, used to be held on the same day as the Marathon but became its own event in the 1980s due to its popularity.
Pikes Peak Ascent Marathon
Date
Sep 20, 2025
Starting Time
7:00 AM MDT
Course
Trail
Fees
$200-$250
Location
Manitou Springs
Participants
1-100
Terrain
Challenging
Environment
Mountain Views
Temperature
High: 65°
/ Low: 38°
Perfect For:
Destination Race
High Elevation
Overview
Course Description
Known as “America’s Ultimate Challenge” the Pikes Peak Marathon is a race like no other! With a 7,800 foot vertical climb, the course takes runners from Manitou Springs, Colorado, along Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet —and back— for a total of 26.2 grueling mountain miles.
The course begins in downtown Manitou Springs with 1.5 miles of road before joining Barr Trail. With an average 11% grade, the trail winds through pine and aspen forests before climbing above tree line into breathtaking alpine views. Returning down Barr Trail, the descent challenges runners with terrain that tests endurance, focus and determination.
Pikes Peak Marathon invites Elite Competitors, offers cash prizes to winners as well as free entries to past winners! Are you ready to take the challenge?
Past Results
