Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Anders Hekkli #181 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Improvement in Elevation Challenge Anders Hekkli, a 21-year-old runner from Gunnison, CO, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with an elapsed time of 2:34:19, clocking in at an average pace of 11:33 min/mile over 13.36 miles. Anders claimed an impressive 2nd place in the O20-24 age division, among 2049 participants. He began strong with a pace of 5:53 min/mile at Ruxton and maintained a steady performance, as indicated by consistent split paces around the 10- to 11-minute range during the climb to the Top of W's and No Name Creek. Compared to his previous race at the same event in 2024, Anders shaved off nearly a minute and a half from his elapsed time, improving his pace from 11:39 min/mile to 11:33 min/mile. Notably, Anders demonstrated tenacity, holding a top 3 position in his division throughout. For future races, focusing on sustaining slightly quicker paces in the later stages above the tree line could yield even better results.