Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Mary Van Meter #2044 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Sustained Effort and Strong Finish Despite Elevation Challenges Mary Van Meter completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent with steady pacing, finishing the 13.36-mile course in 6:02:41. Her average pace was 27:08 minutes per mile. Remarkably, Mary maintained a consistent position in her division, finishing 70th in the F30-34 category out of 2049 total participants and 522nd of 932 women. Elevation gain played a significant role in performance, achieving a final elevation of 14,061 feet from a start at 6,303 feet. Mary displayed a strategic pacing approach, starting strongly with a notable 9:39 pace at the Ruxton point and leveling out in the latter segments where altitude intensified, particularly from "A-Frame" to the finish line. The segment from “1.5 Miles To Go” to the finish was especially challenging, with paces surpassing 36 minutes per mile. Focusing on altitude training may enhance performance efficiency in future high-elevation events.