Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: John Maier #661 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Pace Management in High Altitude John Maier, 31, from Colorado Springs, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with an elapsed time of 5:24:09 over a distance of 13.36 miles, resulting in an average pace of 24:15 min/mile. The race featured a significant elevation gain from about 6000 feet to 14000 feet, pushing the limits of endurance above the treeline in its final stages. The analysis of John's previous race performance in 2024 showed a time of 4:41:50, indicating a pace fluctuation that can be reviewed for optimization strategies. The split times reflect a strong start with an initial quick pace of 8:30 at Ruxton, maintaining solid placements. However, as the elevation increased, a notable deceleration occurred at Bottomless Pit, with a split pace of 36:31, extending beyond a 40-minute split pace near the summit. Reviewing pacing consistency and altitude adaptation strategies could benefit the handling of steep altitude sections in future races.