Come See Why the Pikes Peak Marathon Has Been Chosen as One of the Best Marathons in the U.S.!

Pikes Peak Marathon

Photo Credit: Scott Rokis

Ask any runner what makes a race unforgettable, and you’ll hear the same things again and again: a challenge that demands respect, a scenic route, and an experience that stays with you long after the medal is put away. The Pikes Peak Marathon checks every one of those boxes, and then some.
Often named one of the best Marathons in the United States, the Pikes Peak Marathon is more than a race. Runners often tell us it’s a “Bucket List Event,” an experience they train for, dream about, and remember forever. 

As one runner shared, “There is nowhere else in the world you could run a race with that vertical, those views, these people.” 
The Pikes Peak Marathon offers a true trifecta: distance, elevation gain, and altitude. From the first steps on Barr Trail, runners quickly realize this is a course that demands patience, strategy, and humility. The mountain truly sets the pace.

This September will mark the 71st running of the Pikes Peak Marathon, making it one of the longest-standing races in the country. Over the decades, we’ve studied not only our own history, but that of other iconic races, and one truth always stands out: longevity comes from culture.

Despite international recognition and a growing global presence, the Pikes Peak Marathon has never lost the feel of a small mountain town race. The community, volunteers, and runners all share something rare, a deep appreciation for the mountain and for one another.

Runner feedback reflects it best, “The Barr trail is an epic adventure on an iconic mountain. Race director and staff and all the amazing volunteers make you feel well cared for and supported” - Wendi Knutsen.
“The combination of THE Mountain, above average level of difficulty due to altitude, history of the race, and camaraderie of the race with the surrounding community all combine to set this one apart” - 2025 Pikes Peak Marathon Runner.

Yes, some of the world’s best trail runners have shown up to the start line here. Records have been broken. Barriers have fallen. And yet, Pikes Peak has a way of keeping everyone grounded. That’s the magic of Barr Trail.

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​This race is as much for the runner chasing the podium as it is for the runner chasing a personal dream. It attracts elite athletes, and average athletes who set extraordinary goals. Everyone will experience the mountain their own way, but will never feel alone.  

The camaraderie is like no other as runners make their way up and down Barr Trail. What starts out as a personal journey, ultimately becomes a unified experience. Runners check in with each other. Volunteers know runners by name, cheering them on with genuine excitement that turns a brutal climb into a shared effort. And then it clicks; you’re really going to make it. As the finish comes into view, emotion takes over: relief, pride, disbelief, joy. It ripples outward, felt just as deeply by the spectators and volunteers who helped carry runners there.
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“It’s an extraordinary experience and in my opinion, there is no better feeling than finishing this race" - Scott Gordan.

Photo Credit From Left:  Stephen Martin, Pikes Peak Marathon and Scott Rokis

Photo Credit: Stephen Martin

​The Pikes Peak Marathon isn’t about perfection. It’s about discovering what you’re capable of.  It’s about a running culture rooted in camaraderie, humility, and shared respect for the mountain. That’s why, year after year, the Pikes Peak Marathon is chosen as one of the best marathons in Colorado, not just for the challenge, but for the people who show up for it.
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Conquering Pikes Peak is nothing short of extraordinary. What once felt impossible becomes possible. We hope to see you in September!

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