Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Melanie Hunter #1654 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Climbs with Room to Ascend Melanie Hunter completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with an elapsed time of 5:42:24, an average pace of 25:37 min/mile. Among the 2049 participants, Melanie placed 35th in her F50-54 division and 455th in her gender. The course elevation increased dramatically from the start at 6303 feet to the finish at 14061 feet. Throughout the race, Melanie demonstrated a consistent approach, with notable splits: a pacing of 20:42 min/mile by Top of W's (3.2 miles), 34:49 min/mile between 2 to 0.5 miles to go, and ending with 37:17 min/mile in the final stretch. Early sections reflected Melanie's capability to maintain pace well despite the immediate placements drop, suggesting strategic pacing might enhance future performances. Consider consistently working on varied pacing techniques to make the transitions between different grade sections more efficient, particularly in latter stages when fatigue and altitude are at their peak.