​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.

​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!

​Trail running can be a sport filled with camaraderie and community, but it can also be a lonely one when you don’t know where to look. Oftentimes, you hear from runners when asked the question “What makes this sport special?” and their answer is “Community”. I agree, the community is such a special thing to be a part of, but I’ve also heard from runners who don’t feel as if they belong at all. Sometimes these gaps in belonging can stem from insecurities with pace, skill, social groups, or a variety of other reasons that we all cope with on any given day. Have you ever been to a group run where you instantly felt you didn’t belong? I have, it wasn’t fun, and I didn’t go back. In a world of social media overload, we often see elite running as the definition of the running community and then believe that if we aren’t “elite” that we don’t belong. So, what does building a basecamp of community mean to me?

A Place for Everyone to Land
What is Tava Lodge? It is an up and coming basecamp for outdoor-minded travelers looking to train and play in the Pikes Peak Region. Our vision is to create a space that brings together both our local community and those visiting to connect over a common love of the outdoors. This summer, we hosted two events including the Ultra Tava Tour and the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent Camp which brought all levels of runners together to share the joys of our local mountain.

Expectations through Communication
No one likes to be blindsided by expectations that they weren’t aware of. In fact, I think my terrible group run experience could have been avoided if I knew ahead of time the route, pace and goals of the group. Listen, I don’t think every group run needs to be designed to include the elite runner and the back of the pack runner, but there needs to be clear guidance ahead of time as to what to expect. With our events and group runs, we always share the routes ahead of time and provide pace options for everyone who wants to attend so that we can create the best experience for all involved.

A Culture of Kindness
I do enough to embarrass myself daily that I don’t need to show up somewhere to have others embarrass me too. It can be really scary getting outside of your comfort zone to try something new or participate in something that seems a little beyond your level. Whenever we are pushing ourselves, it’s essential to be surrounded by a supportive environment of kindness and encouragement. The best runs I’ve been on are ones that I’m really struggling, but the people I’ve been with have pulled me through. Fostering a culture of kindness and mutual respect is where human connection can thrive.

Leave No Trace
We live in such a special place with a variety of outdoor spaces to play in. As a part of this community, we all have a responsibility to fight for these lands and preserve their natural state. Connecting over our love for the land through trail work, cleanups and advocacy is essential to building a sustainable basecamp for future generations. One thing I love about these types of community events is that we are all there for our love of the trails, but it has nothing to do with pace or performance. Last year, I worked alongside pro runner Zach Miller as we both did work on Barr Trail (though he may have still been better at swinging tools than me…).

Through these principles, we hope to build a place in the Pikes Peak region that can bring our running community together both near and far. To help bring our vision to life, Tava Lodge is actively seeking investors. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of the Tava Lodge legacy and inspiring a community please contact us at
[email protected] or on Instagram @tavalodge. Please visit our website for more information: www.tavalodge.com.

Roots in the Outdoors

Bryan Willis didn’t start out as a trail runner, but he’s always been at home outside. Growing up in Tennessee, he spent his youth fishing, biking, and exploring the land. One favorite memory involves a day fishing with his sister—riding bikes home with bluegill strung along the handlebars until they collided and sent fish flying everywhere.
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The outdoors became a deeper part of him when he and his stepfather built a homestead on 14 acres of land. That land still remains in the family, a legacy that will be passed through generations.

Finding the Incline 
In 1978, Bryan enlisted in the Army and eventually settled in Colorado Springs where he started a family. Two decades later, in 1999, his cousin invited him and his daughter, Tiffani, to hike the infamous Manitou Incline. That first attempt left him sore for three days and lagging behind while his cousin teased, “C’mon, old man!”


But the challenge hooked him. Weekly hikes turned into a daily routine, and his stamina soared.  It wasn’t long before his cousin couldn’t keep up with him.  Eventually, his cousin stopped coming and Bryan found a bit of good humor in that.  Byran and his daughter, Tiffani, also recall going up the incline in the snow making fresh steps.  It was of no surprise to Tiffani that her dad began making snow angels at the top.

Flyin’ Bryan Takes Flight
With time, Bryan’s pace became legendary. His longest daily Incline streak stretched over four months, and he shaved nearly 40 minutes off his first time—eventually hitting a blazing 21:04.
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In 2000, he joined the Incline Running Club. By his early 40s, he had fallen in love with mountain running, completing the Pikes Peak Ascent multiple times, including a personal best of 2:58:12. His fun-loving spirit and habit of heckling friends while encouraging strangers earned him the nickname “Flyin’ Bryan.”

​Hike Early, Sip Often: How to Run Up (and maybe down) Pikes Peak
This race is easy to mess up. You can be in the best shape of your life and still totally blow up if you get pacing or fueling wrong. A lot of runners show up really fit but still struggle because they didn’t plan well enough. Let’s talk about how you can avoid these mistakes, pace smarter, fuel better, and actually have fun whether you’re running the Ascent or the full Marathon.

Pacing: Hike Early, Hike Often
​My buddy Eric Senseman always jokes, “hike early, hike often,” and he’s exactly right. Some runners think they’ll run until they absolutely can’t anymore, and then finally hike. There aren’t any rules like that. Just hike whenever it feels right.

Running Isn’t Always Faster (or Better)
Sometimes running makes zero sense on this mountain. There are sections where you’ll be jogging so slowly but still working way harder than if you were hiking. If you try forcing a run through those sections, you’ll waste energy and pay for it later.
There’s this mile or so around halfway up that’s really runnable. But if you’re already cooked from forcing the early miles, you’ll end up hiking right through that good, runnable section. That’s the exact opposite of what we want. Don’t do that.

Find Your “First Gear”
When I ran Pikes last year, I got caught up with a group early and realized a few miles in I was breathing way too hard. I literally stepped off the trail and let two groups go by me until I found a pace where I could climb comfortably. That’s what I call finding your “first gear.” It’s that slow jog or strong hike where you think, “okay, I can do this forever.”
Your goal is to find that pace right away. It’s better to hike too much at the start and feel strong later rather than redline early and suffer the rest of the race.

Be Ready to Move Between Groups
Something important I learned racing Pikes was that you’ve got to be willing to adjust groups early. If you notice the group you’re with is pushing you a little too hard, just back off, let them go, and drop into the next group behind. It’s much better to move back and run at your own pace than to get pulled along by a faster group and blow yourself up halfway.

Consistency Beats Erratic Pacing
One thing you’ll see a lot is runners who alternate between running way too hard and then hiking because they’re exhausted. They’re constantly switching back and forth. That’s a recipe for a miserable day. Find that pace you can hold steadily, even if it’s slower at first. You’ll cover more ground smoothly, save energy, and feel way better later in the race.

When you’re training, play around with hiking and running on your climbs. Do a minute running, then a minute hiking, and really pay attention. What’s your effort out of 10 when you’re hiking versus running? How fast are you actually moving? Sometimes you’ll realize you’re running really slow but your effort is an 8 or 9, and then you switch to hiking and realize your effort goes down to a 5 or 6, but you’re moving at almost the same speed. That tells you exactly what to do on race day. Practice that comparison on your long climbs, so you know precisely when hiking makes more sense than running.

Fueling: At Least 60 Grams of Carbs per Hour and Sip Constantly

Fueling at altitude is tricky. Mess it up and you’ll be curled up on the side of the trail, miserable. Here’s your minimum fueling targets for Pikes:

• Ascent: at least 60–70 grams of carbs per hour
• Marathon: at least 70–80 grams per hour (you’re out there way longer)

More carbs are usually better, as long as your gut can handle it. And you won’t know that unless you’ve practiced it in training.

My Personal Fueling Strategy
I love Skratch hydration. It’s got carbs, electrolytes, tastes good, and it just works. Having some type of carb mix in your bottles like Skratch, *Tailwind, Neversecond, etc is a smart way to get extra fuel to ensure you finish the race and run as fast as you’re capable of!
* Tailwind is the exclusive Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent Hydration partner. Tailwind Endurance Fuel will be the electrolyte drink on course.

Every 30 minutes, I use Neversecond gels. I also like Huma and Untapped gels. And when I want real food, I’ll pack an Uncrustable or grab potato chips or perhaps a cookie or two from an aid station. Salty stuff is good when you’re sick of gels. Your stomach can get fatigued from eating the same thing, so it’s important to have different types of fuel to avoid palate fatigue.
*Näak is the exclusive Pikes Peak Marathon+Ascent Nutrition partner. Näak Energy Boost Gels will be on course along with the other sweet/salty snacks provide by PPM.

Try a Handheld Bottle
I avoided handheld bottles for years. Just didn’t want something in my hands. But I finally gave in, got a Nathan insulated soft flask, and it completely changed things for me. For whatever reason, having it in my hand makes me sip fluids way more often. Now I recommend everyone at least tries a handheld. Small sips throughout the race work way better than chugging fluids every half hour.
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Is Water Dangerous?
One of the most common mistakes I see is drinking mostly plain water for hours without any electrolytes or carbs. It might feel like you’re staying hydrated, but you’re only replacing part of what your body is losing. When you sweat, you’re not just losing water; you’re also losing a lot of minerals; like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. And if you don’t replace those, running can become extremely difficult in a hurry.
If you’re putting in lots of plain water but not replenishing electrolytes, you dilute the mineral balance in your body. That can lead to symptoms like nausea, cramping, headaches, confusion, and in more serious cases, hyponatremia — a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels that can be life-threatening.
The fix is pretty simple: make sure some of the fluid you’re drinking has electrolytes and carbs in it. Just don’t rely on plain water alone. You need to be rehydrating and that water NEEDS to have electrolytes in it. You get bonus points if your liquid has electrolytes and carbs.
If you get this right, you’ll run faster, you’ll feel better, it’s way safer, you’re less likely to bonk, and you’ll have a lot more fun out there.

Minimum Hydration: 500ml Per Hour
Aim for at least 500 ml (about 17 ounces) per hour. Some people need way more. Practice carrying your fluids on your long runs, learn how much you drink per hour, and then carry that amount on race day.

Train Your Gut in Training
Once you’re out there for more than 90 minutes, fueling stops being optional. It becomes crucial. The key is starting that process early in the race, not waiting until you’re already feeling drained. Practicing your fueling strategy in training is a big deal. It trains your stomach to handle fuel better, lowers the chances of GI issues, and gives you the confidence to actually stick to your plan on race day. Plus, fueling well doesn’t just help you during the run. It helps you bounce back and recover faster afterward.
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Salt and Real Food Can Save Your Race
Late in the race, having something salty or savory can totally change things for you mentally. I’ve grabbed potato chips or pretzels from an aid station and felt completely refreshed, especially when I was sick of gels. Practice some salty foods in your training because it’s a lifesaver late in the race.
Our stomachs often get tired of the sugary, processed gels and drink mixes after several hours. Have some real food options to break up that sugar. I love PB&Js, but pretzels, dried fruit, stroopwafels, bars, rice balls, a homemade cookie or muffin, or even a mini burrito etc. etc. etc. Play around with different options. Ask your friends what they’re trying!​

Gear and Strategy Tips

Practice Carrying All Your Gear
People underestimate how carrying all their race-day gear affects their climbing. You’ll have your hydration bottles, gels, jacket, maybe gloves or a hat, and all that weight adds up. Do some fully loaded gear hikes and runs so you know exactly how it feels. If you don’t practice, it can feel heavy and awkward carrying a bunch of gear you aren’t used to.

Bring Mandatory Gear, It’s Not Optional
Don’t try saving a few ounces by skipping mandatory gear. Weather on the mountain changes super fast, sunny at the start, and suddenly you’re in a blizzard or lightning storm up top. Respect this race and carry your gear. It could literally save your life, and honestly, we’re all going to be really upset if you freeze to death.
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Fitness Helps at Altitude, But Doesn’t Solve Everything
Yes, altitude is real. But the best way to handle it is just to get as fit as possible. I’ve coached plenty of runners who live at sea level and still have great races because they came into it really fit and prepared. Don’t stress too much about altitude; just get in your best possible shape, have a great fueling plan, and pace smart. That’s your best defense!

Good Flat Fitness Transfers to Climbing
If you’re coming off a strong marathon training cycle or just good flat running fitness, that transfers more than you think. Sure, climbing is specific, but don’t underestimate how helpful being overall fit can be. You might need to tweak your training and add specific climbs, but you’re already halfway there if you’re fit.

Final Thoughts: Fitness Isn’t Everything, Strategy Matters
Practice pacing and fueling in your training. Dial in your gear, nutrition, hydration, and hiking strategy long before race day. Show up prepared and you’ll not only finish stronger, you’ll actually enjoy your time out there on America’s toughest mountain race.

Quick Reminders for Race Day:

• Find first gear early
• Sip carbs and electrolytes constantly
• 60–70g carbs/hr (Ascent), 70–80g/hr (Marathon)
• At least 500 ml fluids/hour
• Practice everything beforehand
• Carry your mandatory gear!

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​Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society

Fred Barr who was born in Arkansas, completed his burro trail to the summit of Pikes Peak in 1921. It seems only appropriate that 868 Arkansans have reached the summit competing in the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. Max Hooper started all this adventure in 1979 on his first run up and down Pikes Peak. He recruited new Arkansas runners to join him on the trek each year. My Pikes Peak odyssey began when I filled in for an injured friend and ran the 1984 Pikes Peak Marathon. It was on the van ride home that the Arkansas Pikes Peak Marathon Society was born. Ken Ropp masterminded a recruitment system that swelled to as many as 156 Arkansas finishers in 1993. Three charter buses, team T-shirts, caps, gloves, and someone always carrying the Arkansas flag to the top. It was all about the comradery. The recruitment chain just kept expanding.

We’ve had every corner of the State represented; 85 hometowns in all. Some ran once and never returned. Others brought family and friends the next year. We’ve had marriage ceremonies on the summit, Brothers, Sisters, Father and Son, Sweet 16 Birthday parties on the bus ride out. The Silver Saddle Motel has been home base in Manitou Springs for the Society from the very beginning.

​We’ve had our share of award winners over the years. Eddie Mulkey holds the record for fastest Arkansan with a 4:12:02 back in 1987. It was good enough for 6th place overall. Pat Torvestad was Arkansas’ first woman to complete the Marathon in 1985. The Arkansas women’s record is held by Ann Smith who ran 5:41:23 in 1987. Only 8 Arkansans have ever run under 5 hours for the Marathon. Our overall numbers have decreased over the years, but we keep coming back. Blizzards, sleet, lightning and course closures will not deter us. We love this mountain and love this race!

​You don’t need to live at altitude or have access to big climbs outside your back door to train for Pikes Peak. Most race participants don’t! But with the right strategy, consistency, and a little creativity, you can effectively train for Pikes Peak from wherever you are!

I’m Coach Will Baldwin, from SunDog Running, the official coaching partner for the Pikes Peak Marathon. Every year we help road runners, trail runners, first timers, and returning athletes get ready for this brutal and beautiful challenge. From altitude, climbing, terrain and fueling, there’s a lot to consider. Let’s jump into how to train smart so you feel confident and ready when race day comes around. 

​When planning your training, remember to include long runs that simulate the terrain and challenges you’ll face as you train for Pikes Peak.

Timing of arrival: pros and cons

Incorporating climbing into your training program is essential for those who want to train for the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent.
Another common question around altitude is “When is the best time to fly (or drive) in?”.

Many participants arrive close to race day due to logistical reasons. Some show up at this time hoping the effects of altitude don’t hit them until after the race. Although this may work for some, others feel the effects right away. 

Other participants come a week or two early to give themselves time to acclimate. Giving yourself time to do a few runs up high can improve your mental state and preparedness, but it can also wear you down if you don’t respond well to altitude. The extra time can provide logistical and scouting benefits, but likely won’t make a significant difference in adjusting to the altitude, as that generally takes a longer time period.
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Whether your strategy is to show up close to race day or arrive ahead of time, there are pros and cons. So don’t stress if one or the other works best with your schedule. 
Remember, the more specific your training to simulate the race, the better prepared you’ll be.
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Fueling for success

How you fuel your body before and during the race is another factor that can greatly impact how you handle the altitude. If you get behind on carbs, fluids, and electrolytes, everything starts to unravel. Create a fueling plan ahead of time that focuses on getting at least 60g of carbohydrates per hour and staying on top of hydration and electrolytes during the race.

Simulate the climb, even if you don’t have one

Pikes is steep, and it’s long. The grade averages around 11%, and most runners are climbing for several hours. It can be hard on your calves, achilles, lower back and hip flexors. Getting your body used to being in climbing position helps you stay relaxed, avoid injury, and move efficiently on race day. The biggest mistake I see is people hammering these sessions too hard early on. It’s better to go easy for a longer period than to destroy yourself in 20 minutes and be toast the rest of the week. You’re going to be climbing for hours on race day, so the goal is to accumulate time, consistently, week after week.

Equipment to use: treadmills and stair climbers

Start with one day per week to focus on vertical-specific training. If you have access to a stair climber or incline treadmill, either one will get the job done. As you progress in your training, work up to vertical training two or three days per week. 

Each of these movements prepares you for what you’ll face when you train for Pikes Peak.
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On the treadmill, the focus should be on incline, not pace. Increase the incline as steep as you can while still jogging — the goal is to accumulate minutes climbing. If you can hold a jog at 6-8% incline, that’s great. Over time, push the incline higher. Same idea on the stair climber: steady, consistent climbing with a zone 2 feel (about a 5 out of 10 effort). The more you can stack up 45–60 minute sessions, the better you’ll feel when the race hits.

Outdoor training: find the right grades to train on

The race has a mix of grades, mostly in the 7–14% range, so I always encourage runners to scout routes with sections that mimic that climb. Look for a trail or climb near you with that kind of steepness even if only for a short section. Hit it a couple times and repeat sections. Get creative with loops. Use Strava, AllTrails, and local running groups to find routes that have the kind of climbing you need. 

When you embrace the process, you’ll find joy in every step of your journey to train for Pikes Peak.

Strength and movement prep for Pikes Peak
Strength training is essential. Running up Pikes Peak is similar to doing a single-leg, weighted step-up workout for hours. If your back, calves, or hip flexors aren’t ready, you’re going to feel it — probably before you even get to treeline.
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The good news? You don’t need a gym membership or a complicated plan, just a few key movements and a little consistency.

You Don’t Need the Perfect Mountain — You Just Need a Plan
I’ve coached runners from sea level, flat cities, and treadmill-only setups who went on to crush Pikes — and not just finish it, but enjoy it. If you’re consistent and willing to get creative, you’ll get stronger, more comfortable on the climbs, and more confident heading into race day.
Use the below sample training plan when you’re already in the bulk of training but at least over a month away from race day. Stay consistent, listen to your body, and adapt workouts as needed. You’ve got this! 

Erosion-Resistant Memories
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There are moments in life that come without fanfare and leave without much recollection. Most of our days seem to slip quietly into memory—at least they do for me. My childhood is a blur of vague impressions. I remember adventuring in backyard creeks, but not the names of the streets nearby. I recall pickup basketball and roller hockey games, but the names of the neighbors I played with have long since faded.
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But then there are the memories that stick.

One of mine is the first time I learned about the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.
It was 1997, and I was a teenager flipping through Runner’s World in western North Carolina—over a thousand miles away from America’s Mountain. A single photo stopped me. It showed a line of runners climbing the 16 Golden Stairs. The landscape was stark and surreal, with granite boulders and wind-bent determination.
The runners looked tiny, yet powerful. Some smiled, others grimaced, but they all moved forward with purpose. The image didn’t explain why they did so—but it didn’t need to. I felt it.

Since then, I’ve come to understand that mystery. Trail running is deeply personal. Most of us aren’t chasing podiums. We run to discover something inside ourselves. Those early morning miles, the juggling act between training and life, the quiet satisfaction of tired legs—it all prepares us for the climb of life.

I imagined what it must feel like to stand at 14,000 feet, looking down at where you came from, knowing you earned every step, and breathing in a deep sense of fulfillment. I wanted that feeling.

Years later, that same photograph inspired my move to Manitou Springs and eventually led me to the start line in 2011. During my own journey, I leaned heavily on the trail running community—formal and informal training groups, trail veterans sharing hard-won knowledge, and generous advice passed down over miles together.​

Running, Training and Community
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Trail running may seem solitary, but the community is anything but. And that spirit is what fuels the new Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent Training Camp this August.
From August 7–10, we’ll gather on the slopes of Pikes Peak to offer an immersive, all-inclusive weekend designed to prepare runners for the Ascent and Marathon in September. The camp is hosted by Tava Lodge—a dream-in-progress adventure lodge that one day hopes to become a permanent space for mountain community and connection.
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Here’s what campers can expect:

• An exploration of trails on the Pikes Peak Massif, broken into manageable, supported segments, with course review and bonus in-town shakeout runs.
• Six nourishing meals from Real Athlete Diets (RAD), plus Barr Camp’s legendary pancake breakfast and spaghetti dinner
• On-course gear shuttling so you can focus on running, not logistics
• Athletic recovery services 
• Inspiring talks from elite and veteran athletes who’ll be out on the trails with you, ready to share their experience and answer questions

​Whether you’re racing for the first time, looking to connect more deeply with the Pikes Peak community, or want to immerse yourself in world-class trail running, this weekend will be one to remember.
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Come run with us and make some erosion-resistant memories of your own!
[Register now – spots are limited.]  

Running Through Pregnancies

It didn’t take long for Crystal to become familiar with the trail systems throughout Colorado Springs.  She continued to workout and run throughout all of her pregnancies.  Just weeks before giving birth to her son Sawyer, she was running along Devil’s Playground, located just a few miles below the top of Pikes Peak.  On her way to the summit, she passed a gentleman resting on a rock.  He smiled and looked over at her and said, “I was thinking of quitting and then you came along.”  

Another channel that keeps Crystal running is her part-time job.  She works for a company that lines her up with families who hire her to run their dogs.  It was of no surprise that she would pursue such a job.  Her enthusiasm carries over into all aspects of life. 

Though she is strong of mind, body, and spirit, Crystal has faced many challenges throughout her pregnancies and running career including postpartum depression, high blood pressure, plantar fasciitis, and scoliosis.  Regardless of what life has thrown her way, she has remained determined to run through it and keep moving forward.  ​​

​Encouraging Other Moms to Stay Active

Through her running journey, she hopes to inspire other moms with young children to stay active. Whether it’s walking, hiking, or running, she believes that making time for movement is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental well-being. Motherhood is demanding, but that doesn’t mean moms have to set aside their own passions.
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For her, running isn’t just about crossing finish lines—it’s about showing her kids that anything is possible with persistence and heart. And on September 20, when she reaches the summit of Pikes Peak, she won’t just be celebrating her own accomplishment—she’ll be celebrating every mom who refuses to give up on her dreams. Undoubtedly, Crystal has inspired many people along the way.  Most importantly, her husband and children. 

Crystal is thankful that she has found a community with her friends from the Incline Club.  She mentioned a few of her closest friends in the group - Heather, Kathy, and Mary.  On days when she struggles, they wait for her and lift her up.  Crystal will be working with a running coach soon.  Again, she said she isn’t trying to win races, she just wants to keep up with her friends and help to inspire others along the way.        

​From big miles and endurance challenges to panoramic scenery and just plain fun, here are 12 classic Colorado Springs active events for your bucket list.

Pikes Peak country is big country. And when it comes to running and cycling, you can go big on beautiful mountain courses that make your heart thump with the joy of living while they also kick your butt. We’ve chosen some gutsy runs, rides and Colorado races for our bucket list, included some fast and fun 5Ks and tossed in a couple fun favorites.
There’s never a better time to start planning and training than now. Most trainers will tell you that putting a goal on the calendar is vital to staying motivated. Speaking of that calendar, be sure to keep an eye on those registration dates. Some of these classic Colorado Springs events fill up fast, and some are already open for registration.

Winter Series
Jan. 11 – Feb. 22 - Four Race Locations

They call it “The Coolest Race in Town.” Sure, that refers to the weather in January and February, but it also captures the welcoming vibes and the camaraderie of running in the winter. You may have sun; you may have snow. Hosted by Pikes Peak Road Runners, the Winter Series consists of four races that get progressively longer. Here’s the 2025 list: 

• Winter Series I, Jan. 11
  5K and 10K at Fountain Creek Regional Park
• Winter Series II, Jan. 25
  4 mile and 8 mile at Cheyenne Mountain State Park
• Winter Series III, Feb. 15
  5 mile and 10 mile at El Pomar Youth Sports Complex
• Winter Series IV, Feb. 22
  7.5 mile and 12 mile at U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum, America the Beautiful Park

Runners of all abilities are welcome, and the series is an excellent way to ramp up your fitness and distance, especially if you want to tackle one of the other longer runs in this list. 
pprrun.org

​Super Half Marathon and Game Day 5K
Feb. 9 - Downtown and the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail

Hit the trail before you veg out and pig out for the big game. If you’ve been running through the winter, you can go long early in the season. If you’ve recently started building your running game, you can stick to the short route. Either way, bring your fun game-face and race for paydirt in the annual Super Half Marathon and Game Day 5K. There will be school bands and cheerleaders, making a festive gameday atmosphere to cheer you on. The course is about as flat as it’s gets around here, so do a touchdown dance for that!
pprrun.org

5K on St. Patrick’s Day
March 15 - Downtown Colorado Springs

The start of this 5K race resembles a massive green wave crashing down Tejon Street. Expect a big crowd to lace ‘em up for this long-running race before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The course is flat and fast, perfect for testing your physical conditioning after a long winter. Just be sure to wear green. And stick around afterward for the always-fun-to-see kids’ Leprechaun Fun Run.
csstpats.com

Spartan Trifecta Weekend
May 31 – June 1 - Fort Carson

Why just run when you can carry heavy objects, climb, crawl and navigate obstacles like barbed wire and fire? Pair the Spartan toughness with the rugged terrain and Army honor of Fort Carson and it’s easy to see why there’s a long tradition of this grueling body- and soul-testing obstacle race. How hard do you want to go? You can choose your distance with options ranging from a sprint 5K with 20 obstacles to a 50K with 60 obstacles. Or if you really want the full pain, suffering and transformation, there’s a trifecta pass for all three weekend races. As part of the Spartan Honor Series, you’ll receive a special commemorative medal and experience a special challenge honoring our courageous service members and first responders of Fort Carson and beyond. 
au.spartan.com

​Pikes Peak Apex
June 6-8 - Various trails in Palmer Park, Cheyenne Cañon and Cañon City
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The Apex has become the Springs’ biggest and one of the best Colorado races for mountain bikers. It’s a three-day endurance challenge on the slopes of Pikes Peak that showcases some of the best local trails, even while the route and featured trails change each year. The Apex also draws world-class pros as well as motivated amateurs looking for a bucket list experience.
The new Apex Gravel gives gravel riders two options to race as well. The 135-mile Queen of the Canyons option follows much of the Gold Belt Tour Scenic Byway from Colorado Springs through Cripple Creek, Cañon City, Victor and back. And the “short” version, Mini Majesty, is 65-miles up Gold Camp Road and back. 
pikespeakapex.com

Garden of the Gods 10 Mile, 10K & Trail Run
June 8 - Garden of the Gods

Billed as the “Perfect 10,” it’s hard to argue. Garden of the Gods has been listed as the No. 1 Park in the country by the travel website TripAdvisor. And while most folks drive through the park, runners enjoy a more intimate experience as they gallop through a maze of sandstone towers. But don’t let the beautiful scenery fool you — the rolling hills of the Garden 10-miler, 10K and 10K Trail Run are a challenge that will redline your heart rate. The finish is worth the effort, as runners fly onto the grounds of Rock Ledge Ranch, run past barns, horses and cows, and then relax with good food, beer and music at the Race Expo.
gardentenmile.com


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The Pikes Peak Ultra
July 26 - Bear Creek Regional Park, Cheyenne Cañon
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If the peaceful pace of a 50-mile run appeals to you — meaning, you like to run all day — then the Pikes Peak Ultra is your event. The course was designed by ultrarunner and race director Justin Ricks, who wanted to “showcase some of the very best trails in Colorado Springs.” There are other options; they’re just all long: 20K, 30K, 50K and 50 mile.
The race will test the toughest runners. The 50-miler includes 11,759 feet of elevation gain on the high slopes above Cheyenne Cañon. The 50K has plenty of sting, with 8,127 feet of climbing. Both include the summit of Mount Rosa at 11,500 feet. New to long-distance running on trails? The 20K is gentler with only 2,513 feet of elevation gain. There are plenty of aid stations with experienced ultrarunners there to keep you smiling and moving forward. But there’s no way around it: Prepare with lots of trail miles that go up.
madmooseevents.com

The Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit
Aug. 9 - Pikes Peak Highway
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Here are three words cyclists will understand when describing the Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit: “Shut up, legs!” There’s only one hill, and it’s a doozy. The distance of the ride is 12.42 miles, but be prepared because it finishes at the summit of Pikes Peak, 14,115 feet above sea level, making this one of the best Colorado races for cyclists.
A popular ride, the Cycle to the Summit is doable by reasonably fit cyclists willing to gear down and spin the pedals. Elite cyclists make it seem easy. It’s not. But once you pedal through quiet, ancient forests beneath the peak’s monolithic sun-splashed face, you’ll realize there is no rush. The course is the same used by the racecar drivers in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, with a flurry of switchbacks and famous landmarks such as Devil’s Playground and Bottomless Pit.
Ready to ride? Put in the climbing work in the spring and summer, and perhaps you won’t have to have that conversation with your legs — or at least not as often.
coloradospringssports.org/cycletothesummit

Cheyenne Mountain Run
Aug. 16 - Cheyenne Mountain State Park
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Runners and riders in the Pikes Peak area must cringe when they read the words: The trails in Cheyenne Mountain State Park are the best on the Front Range. Some secrets are best kept secret, after all. Fact is, while there is plenty of great singletrack out there, Cheyenne Mountain State Park is a special location.
And if you’re up for a good run, the Cheyenne Mountain Run is the ticket. The 25K will take runners 3,350 vertical feet to the summit of Cheyenne Mountain. Expect 9-plus miles with lots of climbing. There are 10K and 5K options, as well.
friendsofcmsp.org

Rampart Rager
Aug. 23 - Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, Garden of the Gods, Rampart Range Road
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With a classic course designed by local rider and racer Jayson Middlemiss, this race is pedal-smashing fun. Beginning at the Buffalo Lodge Bicycle Resort, riders will cruise through Garden of the Gods. Then the fun begins: miles of uphill gravel grinding on Rampart Range Road. Good news, the grades are fairly gentle, and the views are magnifique. You’re going to climb about 6,700 feet overall, but the descent back down Rampart Range Road is a blast.
rampartrager.com

Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon
​Sept. 20–21 - Manitou Springs, Pikes Peak
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There are many ways to reach the summit of Pikes Peak. But if you’re up for a lung-busting challenge, nothing tops the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent. There are two races over one weekend. Some 1,600 runners tackle the 13.32-mile ascent on Saturday. The race begins in Manitou Springs and ends at the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. On Sunday, marathoners ascend the peak, then turn around and finish in downtown Manitou Springs.
This is one of the best Colorado races around. It is revered and competed in by the world’s top mountain runners, these races will break you down — then restore you with new confidence as you run above tree line and negotiate the final steep switchbacks. And when there is no more mountain to ascend, you can see for 100 miles or more in every direction on a clear day. Oh, forget about conquering the mountain. Run this one to shush those voices that say you can’t.
Registration opens on March 1, and you’ll have to prove qualifying times. Some of these other races count as qualifiers.
pikespeakmarathon.org

Colorado Springs Marathon
Oct. 4 - Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Pikes Peak Greenway Trail
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OK, so you’re done with the uphill grind. We understand. It’s difficult to find level ground in Colorado races. But the Colorado Springs Marathon will go easier on you. The race follows the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail as an out and back from downtown. That means the first half of the course runs slightly and gradually uphill — but slightly and gradually downhill for the second half.
The gravel surface for much of the way is easy on the body, and the finish line festivities are on point. It’s a great choice for your first Colorado marathon. There are half marathon and 5K options too, and the event supports the Trails and Open Space Coalition.
thecoloradospringsmarathon.com

​​Back in 2019, I signed up for a half marathon. Now, this doesn't seem like a huge accomplishment - tons of people have completed this with little effort but this race was different, especially for me. Those of you who know me, know that I'm more of a pack mule than a distance runner. If you put a load of 80 pounds on my back, I'll saunter my way to any finish line over any distance - much like the buffalo that this article is influenced by. I won't break any land speed records, but I'll finish. I'll push through the storm... But a race where there's actual running involved is very tough for me to push through.
 
The half marathon I signed up for was called the Pikes Peak Ascent and is one of the toughest half marathons in the world. The starting elevation for the race is 6,707 feet above sea level, culminating at over 14,000 feet! You are literally running up a mountain with 2,000 of your closest friends. Now, I'm not really sure why I signed up for this craziness, but I did, and I decided to radically commit to the training process and finishing the race. So, I began a training regimen that I found online and got to work. Over the next six months, I would run up hills for long distances and over several hours. I would lift lighter weights to improve my leg strength and stamina, focus on my nutrition, and pump myself up with whatever music or motivational speeches I could find. I felt pretty good!
 
After training my butt off, race day finally came. For those of you that have participated in these wild and crazy events I don't need to tell you that I was PUMPED!! The starting line before any race is electrifying. People are laughing, talking about their strategies, and are all so full of joy, knowing that they are about to endure a ton of pain! Yeah, it doesn't make much sense to me either. The contagious energy and motivation were everywhere, and I couldn't help but join in on the excitement. I checked my water levels and made sure I had by two peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a spot that I could easily reach. I was focused, driven, and completely unaware of the torment that I was about to endure.
 
The gun went off and we all jolted out of our starting zones like young gazelles. I started at a good pace that I thought I could sustain until the climb got really tough. We started on the asphalt running through a small town before we got to the trailhead where the race really started. Once we hit the dirt everything changed. the uphill got more uphillier and the terrain got more treacherous with every mile. At each aid station I saw people tapping out and quitting the race. It was a lot harder than I thought it would be, but I was still ahead of my goal time. After about 7 miles up, I found myself walking and thinking... "Why in the world did I sign up for this thing?". I had only ever completed one half-marathon prior to this, and it was flat and at a much lower elevation. Now I was 10,000 feet above sea level regretting my life's decisions up until this point. There was still 6 miles left, and 4,000 more feet left to climb. Those aid stations were looking mighty comfortable.
 
The easy thing would have been for me to just throw in the towel. Heck, only a small percentage of the world’s population made it as far as I had - this was good enough, right? But I remembered that I had made a promise to myself. I was committed to finishing this race. I was committed to crossing that finish line and doing something that I'd never done before. It was pushing me WAY outside of my comfort zone but that's where real change happens. "Suck it up buttercup! Don't you dare quit", I told myself repeatedly. I got myself moving again and made my way up the mountain all the way to the top. I crossed the finish line, grabbed some Gatorade and a banana, gave a few motivated high fives to other finishers and volunteers, and got on the bus back to the bottom of the mountain. I finished!