Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Samuel Epstein #2062 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Climb and Persistent Effort through High Altitude Challenge Samuel Epstein, 23, from Colorado Springs, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon in 5:26:49, with a pace of 24:27 min/mile over the 13.36-mile course. Starting strong at Ruxton with a pace of 9:15 min/mile, Samuel's overall position improved to 483 at Hydro Street, moving from 918 at the start. The ascent became more demanding, and his position fluctuated as he reached No Name Creek and Barr Camp with split paces of 21:31 and 20:30, respectively. His persistence above the tree line is noteworthy, especially during the final three miles beginning at A-Frame, with paces slower than earlier stages, as expected at high elevation. At each check, he maintained positions among the open participants, finishing 51st in his division. Attention to pacing strategies, particularly in the latter stages, could optimize future performances on courses with significant elevation gains.