Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Joseph Ames #1559 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Effort at High Altitude Joseph completed the Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon in 6:00:10, navigating a course that took him from an elevation of 6,303 feet to a peak of 14,061 feet. Beginning at a pace of 11:03 min/mile at Ruxton, he maintained a consistent effort despite the challenging terrain, recording splits like 16:18 min/mile at Barr Camp, where he clocked an elapsed pace of 53:48 min/mile. His placement saw fluctuations, starting 1054th at the initial checkpoint and climbing to 805th at "1.5 Miles To Go," before finishing 1443rd. The gradual elevation gain, coupled with the high-altitude fatigue, tested his endurance, particularly evident in the final miles where he clocked a 36:58 min/mile split. Yet, his ability to maintain an approximate average pace of 26:57 min/mile throughout shows strong determination. A review of pacing strategies for elevation gain and high altitude sections could further enhance future performances.