Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Shelley Backstrom #1549 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Ascent with Notable Stamina Shelley Backstrom completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with an elapsed time of 5:22:37, averaging a pace of 24:08 min/mile over 13.36 miles. Starting strong, Shelley moved up from 85th in division to 69th by the finish, maintaining resilience. Initially at Ruxton, her pace was 9:53 min/mile, reflecting agility in the early stages. By Hydro Street, her pace steadied at 12:57 min/mile. Despite increasingly challenging conditions, she kept the momentum going even as the elevation rose to 14,061 feet by the finish line. Her pace showed variability, indicating strategic pacing. Notable splits included a 20:56 min/mile pace from Hydro Street to Top of W's and 31:19 min/mile by A-Frame, suggesting adaptive control over her exertion levels. The final 0.5257 miles to the finish were completed at 35:21 min/mile, emphasizing consistent determination through high-altitude challenges. Shelley demonstrated remarkable stamina, adapting well to each segment of the ascent.