Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent - September 19-20, 2026 - Registration Opens March 1 - Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent - September 19-20, 2026 - Registration Opens March 1
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  • Plan
    • Training
    • Visiting
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    • Join the PPM Team
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2024 Race guide

​2025 Official Race Guide 

Runner Guide - Mobile Version

From the Race Directors

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Hi Runners,

Welcome to Pikes Peak! We are so excited to have you here for the 70th running of the Pikes Peak Marathon and the 69th running of the Pikes Peak Ascent. Seventy years of history on this mountain—that’s something special, and we are happy that you get to be a part of it.

This race has always been known as America’s Ultimate Challenge—it’s a place where legends rise and new journeys begin. Some of you have been here many times, while others are stepping onto this course for the very first time. No matter which group you’re in, you belong here, and we wish you nothing but strength and success on your journey up and down the Peak.

Race week is one of our favorite times of the year. We kick things off with the Race Expo at Memorial Park on Thursday, September 18 (4:30–7:30 pm) and again on Friday, September 19 (10:00 am–7:00 pm). The expo is a great chance to pick up your bib, meet vendors, join in on the shakeout run, listen to live music, catch up with running buddies, and hear our Pioneers of Pikes Peak and athlete Q&A panel. The fun doesn’t stop there— on race days, September 20–21, we’ll be at the finish line celebrating every single runner who conquers the mountain.

We do want to take a moment to remind everyone that the mountain has the final say. Weather on Pikes Peak can shift in minutes, and we want every runner to be safe. That’s why the gear requirements are in place: hooded, windproof, water-resistant jacket and a 12-ounce (or larger) refillable, sealable water bottle or hydration system. Bring the gear, stay safe, and you’ll set yourself up for the best possible race experience.

On behalf of our entire team, thank you for choosing to be here. Enjoy all the weekend has to bring, share your stories, and celebrate with an incredible running community! We can’t wait to cheer you on and share in the magic of this incredible weekend. For last-minute race updates and additional information, be sure to keep an eye on our Facebook page.

See you on the mountain,

Michael Phan, Race Director
Kathy Hubel, Executive Director

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​441 Manitou Ave, Suite 100
​Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Fun Fact!

In 1972 Peter Strudwick did the Ascent in 4:20:29 and the Marathon in 7:02:28. What is so incredible about that you ask? Well, soon after his mother had caught rubella, commonly called German measles, Peter was born with legs that ended in stumps just past the ankles, a left arm that had only one thumb and a finger, and a right arm ending at the wrist.
When Zebulon Pike tried to ascend the mountain that would later be named after him he was turned back by the harsh weather. Many claim he said that no one would ever reach its summit. However, it is generally accepted that he meant on that day, under those conditions. The snow was waist deep and his men were not dressed for it and were out of food.
“Militant tobacco-hating physician” Dr. Arne Suominen from Delray Beach FL, became the founder of the modern day Pikes Peak races when he wrote a letter to the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1956 and challenged cigarette smokers to race him up and down Pikes Peak. 1956 Results
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