Photo courtesy Pikes Peak Sports
The second annual Pikes Peak Road Ascent will take place this Sunday, October 7th, and begins at the Pikes Peak Toll Gate and climbs up to the finish at Crystal Reservoir. With 6.2 miles, an average grade of 5% – 8% and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the second annual race is sure to attract some competitive runners and strong participants alike.
Last year’s inaugural race was an 11.6 mile run, and has been modified in the hopes of not only attracting a wider range of runners but also marking the end of the summer racing season.
The race is a fully supported, competitive, timed event giving runners the chance to experience a section of the Pikes Peak Highway which is closed to automobiles the day of the event, with the exception of official vehicles for the event and normal highway staff vehicles.
Below are the top finishers of last year’s event, which, take note, was the inaugural 11.6 mile distance.
2011 Pikes Peak Road Ascent Top Male Finishers
1. Jason Delaney – 1:21:43
2. Tommy Manning – 1:21:47
3. Simon Gutierrez – 1:26:39
2011 Pikes Peak Road Ascent Top Female Finishers
1. Kim Dobson – 1:34:30
2. Rachael Cuellar – 1:40:02
3. Lisa Marie Goldsmith – 1:46:33
The awards ceremony will be held overlooking the Crystal Reservoir, with the hope of catching the last bits of peak colors. Awards will be presented to the top three men and women overall, and age group winners starting at 14 and under, and 15-99 in five year increments.
Co-race directors Ron Ilgen and Nancy Hobbs stated, “What better way to experience a portion of the Pikes Peak Highway on foot. In between the challenging switchbacks, runners can enjoy this beautiful area abounding with fantastic scenery.”
The Pikes Peak Road Ascent is organized by the Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc./Triple Crown of Running with the support of the American Trail Running Association.
October 6, 2012 by Amanda Hodges
Regional News