Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Denise Howell #1897 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Finish in High Altitude Challenge Denise Howell began the Pikes Peak Ascent with a strong start, quickly moving through the initial elevation gains at a solid pace of 11:48 per mile by the "Ruxton" checkpoint. Despite the challenging ascent, her pace remained steady until she reached the halfway mark at "Barr Camp," clocking in at 2:41:49 over 7.91 miles. Denise's split times such as 14:38 per mile between "Ruxton" and "Hydro Street" highlighted her initial momentum, showing potential for future races. The demanding terrain over the final miles slowed her pace significantly, especially after reaching the "1 Mile To Go" checkpoint where the steepest sections of the trail began. Notably, her pace decreased to 54:41 per mile before successfully completing the race with an elapsed time of 6:52:54. Denise displayed resilience and determination to finish strong, even as top-of-the-peak conditions tested her limits. Consistency and perseverance throughout the course stand out in her performance.