Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Michael Schmidt #1647 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 with Potential in Elevation Gains Michael Schmidt completed the Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon in 5:08:59. Starting strong, he maintained a dynamic pace of 9:21 min/mile at Ruxton. As the elevation increased to over 14,000 feet, his average pace adjusted to 23:07 min/mile, reflecting the altitude and gradient challenges. His position saw fluctuations, beginning at 572nd overall and concluding at 1065th, with a steady performance around the mid-point at No Name Creek. Michael's ability to maintain his effort level despite challenging conditions above tree line is commendable. Notably, Michael's time at Barr Camp was 2:32:18, and the A-Frame split, situated above 11,000 feet, was completed in 3:38:28. Despite the slower momentum in these high-altitude segments, his splits at the final two checkpoints showed a determined pace, managing below 30 minutes per mile. Michael excelled in consistency, and focusing on speed endurance in similar conditions could further optimize his overall time in subsequent races.