Pikes Peak Ascent 2025
PPA is my favorite race and the only race that I participate in every year. Fun fact: my husband and I got married on top of Pikes Peak on PPA/PPM weekend in 2022 and ran the marathon the next day! So each year we get to celebrate our wedding anniversary by running this race!
Weather/Course/Gear
This is a mountain race so weather is unpredictable! What you can count on is the fact that the weather at the start of the race will be much different than on the top of Pikes Peak. Temperatures at the start of the race have been in the low 40s-low 50s and sunny each year that I have done it. Above tree line and at the summit it is usually 20-30 degrees cooler. It also can be fairly windy as there are no longer any trees to act as a buffer. There have been a few years where there is quite a bit of snow on top of the mountain. Weather on the mountain changes very quickly, so be aware that even if it is beautiful at the start, you need to be prepared for bad weather at some point (i.e. they will make you carry a waterproof hooded jacket). Also know that if you are experiencing bad weather conditions, it will likely pass fairly quickly and you won’t have to endure that for the entire race. Last year they did shorten the marathon to turn around at Barr Camp (around 7.5 mile) due to unsafe weather at the top. For the marathoners, it can be pretty warm (i.e. mid 70s) during the last 4-5 miles as you are coming back down to the finish line depending on your pace of course. The sun above tree line is intense, be sure to have adequate sun protection, whether in the form of SPF that you can reapply or UPF clothing, as well as sunglasses and a hat.
Understand that there is no easy “bail out” in this race. It is not like your typical road races where if you decide to discontinue the race at any point someone can help you or you can get a ride to the finish line. There is one helicopter that is available for medical emergencies, otherwise you will either be told to make it to the top or turn around and head back down to the bottom in order to end your race. If you don’t make cut off times, or you don’t have the appropriate gear to go above tree line in inclement weather, you also will be forced to turn around and head back down to the bottom. One year we had a friend that did not make the cut off time for the Ascent at the A-frame aid station (around mile 10) and he was forced to go back down the mountain all the way to the start line. His 13 mile race turned into a 20 mile hike. So if you anticipate that you will be going at a pace that is close to those time cut-offs, I would pack extra nutrition/supplies just in case your day is longer than originally intended.
The first 1.25 miles is on the road heading to the base of Barr Trail. During this portion you will experience the steepest incline of the entire race. Normally it is always advised not to go out too fast in the first few miles of a race; however if you are looking for a fast time and have been seated in a wave that is not wave 1 or 2, then I recommend going out a little faster in the first mile to pass as many people as possible, because once you hit the trail it becomes a conga line. Most people slow down to a walk at this point and it is a single file line. It is challenging to pass people miles 1-5 and you may burn a lot of matches trying to move just a few places up. Be strategic during this section. You either need to post a fast qualifying time and get in the first 2 waves or you just need to learn some patience during this section. BUT don’t be that person and try to get in those waves if you have no intention or capability of going fast (aka 2-3 hours for the ascent) otherwise you are part of the problem. Miles 5-7 (& miles 19-21 for the marathon) are very runable, with a lot of flat, slight incline and some decline sections. The path also widens significantly so passing people becomes much easier. This is where you can make up some time or keep the same pace and allow your heart rate to recover. There are no restrooms until you hit Barr Camp at mile ~7.5. None of the trail is very technical. Below tree line it is mostly dirt/sand and gravel. Above tree line there can be snow/slush depending on the weather that year. There are also more big boulders and rocks to climb up requiring us shorter people to hop somewhat. Around Barr Camp is where the steady incline begins again. At this point the race has spread out better usually so you aren’t as on top of people. Also at this point more people are willing to take breaks and step aside to let you pass. *Please note trail running etiquette: announce that you want to pass someone by saying “on your left” or “passing on your left” and don’t wait until you are already past them to say it. It is not the person that you want to pass’s responsibility to get out of your way. While it is always nice of them to do so when they can safely, it may not always be feasible and you need to be patient. In general, just don’t be an asshole.* Remember, passing a few people isn’t reallllyy going to get you up the mountain that much faster and you are just wasting more energy than you need. However, if you are running the marathon (and not an elite) then runners will be coming down as you are going up. Yes there is 2-way traffic on a single track. It can be sketchy at points. It is a rule that people going up have to yield and get out of the way as best as possible of the runners coming down. They have the right of way for obvious reasons. It is really fun to watch the elites fly down the mountain. They are so impressive! The last 3 miles of the Ascent are essentially switch backs above tree line. Expect your pace to slow significantly due to lack of oxygen. If you haven’t started feeling dizzy or the effects of altitude yet, then this is likely where it will start. These last 3 miles often take the average runner 1.5-2 hours! After the final aid station there is a group of people who play the kazoo cheering you on and it is the best cheer section of the race (there aren’t many). There is a very nice summit house at the top of Pikes Peak that Ascent runners can hang out in after the race with bathrooms and food options. If you chose to use your clothes drop off bag at the start line it will be waiting for you at the top. It is nice to pack clean/warm clothes, toiletries, snacks, etc. Bring money for any food or souvenirs you may want to purchase. A smaller passenger van will take you about halfway down the mountain and then you get off and board a school bus to travel the rest of the way back down to Manitou Springs. There are more snacks at this stop. I am normally someone who gets very car sick but haven’t dealt with this too badly on these buses surprisingly. But if you are susceptible then maybe pack some Dramamine in your clothes drop bag. Your loved ones have the option of purchasing in advance a summit parking pass on race day so that they can meet you up there and drive you back down. I think this is a great option, and if my husband or I were ever not racing we would do this. For those running the marathon, you are able to access the summit house before heading back down.
As far as gear, each year I have started packing less and less. It obviously is very dependent on what the weather is focasted to be. I typically wear leggings (if temps in the 30-40s at start) or shorts (if 40-50s at start) and a tank top with UPF arm sleeves. Sometimes I put a long sleeve over the tank top and take it off after I warm up and get in tree cover. Then I will take it off and just be in the tank until above tree line and either put on UPF arm sleeves or the long sleeve shirt back over for added sun protection. The first year I did the Ascent in just normal tennis shoes which worked totally fine. I was happy to have trail specific shoes during the marathon as I wasn’t as sure of my footing during the descent and it gave just that much more stability on the loose gravel and the slush at the peak. They require you to bring a waterproof hooded jacket as well as a re-usable water bottle of at least 12 oz. They have re-usable little cups at packet pickup that you can snag and if you clip if on to the front of your running vest it makes a great, easily accessible snack holder! I also use it to take “water shots” at the aid stations when I’m filling my bottle with Tailwind but want to drink some just plain water. At the aid stations they provide water and Tailwind, as well as snacks such as M&Ms, skittles, pretzels, chips, bananas and oranges. Be warned, the skittles are frozen at altitude so don’t bite hard at first! Your teeth will thank me later. You don’t have to have a running vest but I find this the easiest way to carry everything, even if I don’t bring a lot. I don’t pack the water bladder and use that space to carry my jacket and other items that I may not need easily accessible. I just use a 17 oz hand heled water bottle for hydration and that is usually enough between aid stations. I have an extra flip belt water bottle that I will carry in my shorts or leggings. SPF chapstick is a great addition to other SPF for your body. If I forget this my lips are wrecked. Hat/visor and sunglasses are advised. If you are intolerant to cold then gloves, ear warmers, beanie, etc may be useful for you. You can also use those hand warmers and keep them stuffed in your pockets or sports bra to keep warm. Trekking poles are not permitted. I typically only rely on liquid nutrition because it is VERY hard to chew at altitude when everything makes you out of breath. I find it much easier to sip on a carb drink for calories and electrolytes than to eat gels or chews. But I do snack on aid station food as a treat if I feel like it and do pack a few chews just in case. Your fingers will likely swell at altitude you may want to take off any rings. I forget sometimes to take off my wedding ring and never have an issue, but my ring is a little big on me to start with. I prefer to just leave it safely at home.
Logistics
Packet pick up is easy and located where the start line and after party for the Ascent are. You just need your ID and they will give you an arm band. All you pick up is your clothes bag and bib (with a food and drink ticket). Your t-shirt will be picked up at the after party. There are a few race day parking options. Race directors will send out information and maps well in advance. There are paid lots near the start line that are ~$20 I believe, or you can also park at the high school for $10 which goes to support their cross-country team. This is about a half mile walk to the start line, mostly downhill so is a little more difficult after the race when going uphill. Parking fills up fast so you will want to get there 5:45-6 AM at the latest to ensure a spot. The marathon finish line and after party are not in the same place as the Ascent and are about 3/4 mile closer to the base of the mountain, at the traffic circle where the Loop restaurant is, which is a nice place for spectators to have a drink or eat while waiting for their runner to finish.
Travel
This year we drove to Colorado Springs for the race so that we could take our dogs. Usually, we fly directly from DFW into Colorado Springs. It is by far the easiest airport to fly into/out of. It is small and you can walk right out the door and your rental car in right there waiting on you. No shuttles or long treks to the rental car companies. We always stay in an Airbnb in Manitou Springs because we like just being able to walk to/from the race, and we just love the little town of Manitou! But this year we actually stayed in Old Colorado City just a few miles from Manitou and it was great! They have a cute “downtown” area with a lot of restaurants and shopping. There are a few small hotel/motel options in Manitou, but they sell out quickly. And don’t expect anything too fancy but they are good enough. There seemed to be fewer Airbnb options in Manitou this year as well. Woodland Park is also a nice town north of Manitou to stay with a lot of camping and hiking options. In summary, book early for the best options.
Final Thoughts
This is a fantastic race! It is well organized and such a fun atmosphere. The scenery is stunningly beautiful, so don’t forget to look around and take it all in frequently. If you are looking to “race” or perform well, you need to be in the first wave. Otherwise just settle in for a long fun day. This race is HARD! I think The Ascent is harder than an Ironman 70.3 due to the altitude and elevation gain (over 7,000 feet in just 13.3 miles) and the marathon is comparable to a full Ironman. You can fight me on this if you want. You have to be prepared and understand that Mother Nature is in control of your day. You just have to be ready to handle whatever she gives you. If you are a flatlander like me, let me save you some money and tell you altitude tents don’t work. My husband made me sleep in one for an entire summer and it didn’t help us perform or feel better during the race. My advice is to either get in the day before the race, or get to altitude 3 weeks prior to acclimate.