Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Dani Butler #930 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Improved Pace and Strategic Climbing Elevates Performance Dani Butler demonstrated a commendable improvement at the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent. Finishing the 13.36-mile course in 4:22:17, Dani decreased her pace to 19:37 min/mile from last year's 20:46 min/mile. Notably, Dani advanced from 658th to 570th place overall and made significant strides within her F20-24 division, finishing 19th compared to her previous 11th-place finish. Her strategy and consistency throughout the race were evident. In analyzing her splits, Dani's early momentum at Ruxton with an 8:58 min/mile split showed a strong start. However, the more challenging sections, notably between A-Frame and the finish, resulted in pacing above 24 min/mile, reflecting standard patterns in altitude gain. Improving pacing consistency in these high-elevation sections could offer further advancement next year. Maintaining focus on steady pacing throughout will be crucial for sustaining her progress.