441 Manitou Ave, Suite 100
Manitou Springs, CO 80829 |
Fun Fact!
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Tips for Training
So what does one do to train for a course that begins at 6,295' above sea level and gains one and half miles vertically (and then loses that in the Marathon)?
What it all comes down to is this: if you are planning on running the Ascent only, treat it like you would a tough “flatland” marathon. Run trails — preferably trails with grade. If you don’t happen to have a mountain nearby that comes close to Pikes Peak in elevation gain, then include in your training schedule a treadmill routine with the treadmill set at around 12-15%. To help prepare for the 16 Golden Stairs, roughly 1/3 mile from the summit, do step-ups on benches or vehicle bumpers at the end of some of your longer training runs.
As for the descent portion of the Marathon train on some rather steep downhills, and force yourself to stay smooth. In the long run, it will be to your advantage as you will not fry your quads. That, in turn, will prevent muscle fatigue and will help prevent falls and tripping.
How can someone who lives at a lower elevation prepare for the reduced level of oxygen? The effect of altitude that accompanies these races will affect each person differently. However, there is no denying that those who live and train at higher elevations will have, in most cases, an advantage. Exercise physiologists have determined that, for the general population, it takes 10 - 14 days for the body to begin adapting to lower levels of oxygen in the air. However, don’t let that deter you from participating in these races. Every year, more than half of the race participants reside outside the Mountain States region and will arrive only a day or two prior to the race and do well. This even includes some top finishers.
Marathon record holder, Matt Carpenter created Skyrunner.com back in the late 90's as a source of training news and race information. Some information is still relevant today head to skyrunner.com for more details.
What it all comes down to is this: if you are planning on running the Ascent only, treat it like you would a tough “flatland” marathon. Run trails — preferably trails with grade. If you don’t happen to have a mountain nearby that comes close to Pikes Peak in elevation gain, then include in your training schedule a treadmill routine with the treadmill set at around 12-15%. To help prepare for the 16 Golden Stairs, roughly 1/3 mile from the summit, do step-ups on benches or vehicle bumpers at the end of some of your longer training runs.
As for the descent portion of the Marathon train on some rather steep downhills, and force yourself to stay smooth. In the long run, it will be to your advantage as you will not fry your quads. That, in turn, will prevent muscle fatigue and will help prevent falls and tripping.
How can someone who lives at a lower elevation prepare for the reduced level of oxygen? The effect of altitude that accompanies these races will affect each person differently. However, there is no denying that those who live and train at higher elevations will have, in most cases, an advantage. Exercise physiologists have determined that, for the general population, it takes 10 - 14 days for the body to begin adapting to lower levels of oxygen in the air. However, don’t let that deter you from participating in these races. Every year, more than half of the race participants reside outside the Mountain States region and will arrive only a day or two prior to the race and do well. This even includes some top finishers.
Marathon record holder, Matt Carpenter created Skyrunner.com back in the late 90's as a source of training news and race information. Some information is still relevant today head to skyrunner.com for more details.
Training Partners
Tava Tours is hosting a specialized training camp for this year's Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent from August 14-16, 2026. Participants will spend time at altitude, train on the local trails, hear from local speakers on a variety of helpful race prep topics and build the confidence needed to have a great race. An additional training plan add-on is available for participants to opt-in for during registration. Tava Tours is an affiliate of Tava Lodge which is an up and coming basecamp for outdoor-minded travelers looking to train and play in the Pikes Peak Region.
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Sundog Running provides virtual, online, and personalized run coaching services. Reach out to Sundog for a personalized training plan for either of our races. They work with athletes of all experience levels, backgrounds and schedules. |
Incline Club is a free community group that meets in Manitou Springs to train for the Pikes Peak races. Group runs begin weekly in November until race day in September. Check out their website for more details. |
Training on the Summit of Pikes Peak
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ATTENTION RUNNERS, training on Pikes Peak. PLEASE appropriately utilize the timed entry summit parking permits, especially on the weekends. Our partners at the Pikes Peak Highway want runners to have the best opportunity to train, but if runners are staying longer than their parking timed permit, then it negatively affects all visitors to America's Mountain. Remember this mountain is one of the most well visited mountains and we are still in prime tourist season.
Summit reminders: 1. Drive through the highway gate entrance BY 9:00 AM (or earlier). (otherwise after 2:00 PM is less busy on the summit). 2. Purchase the 2-hour timed entry for your training 8am-10am and/or 10am-12pm and additional time IF you will be training longer than 12pm. (good practice is to print your purchased timed entry permit(s) and place on your dashboard while training. A ranger would then be able to note your vehicle is not overdue to be moved). 3. Park in the WEST LOT of the summit, this is the asphalt millings lot. 4. Remove your vehicle from the Summit by the end time of your 2-hour reserved timed entry. This is necessary to allow for the flow of visitors on Pikes Peak America's Mountain. And to debunk the myth that the Highway is not checking on timed-entry permits, THEY ARE CHECKING. The reason for the sale of 2-hour timed entry is to allow for continuous flow of visitors, so when someone does not leave their parking spot on time, there becomes a backlog of vehicles and disrupts the rest of the day. Runners, let's be good stewards of Pikes Peak, America's Mountain and share our love with all who wish to visit the Summit by car, cog, or trail. |
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Training Resources
SUNDOG RUNNING training resources
- Fueling Plan Template
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Pikes Peak Marathon