Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Michelle Smit #778 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Climb Performance Michelle Smit tackled the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent with an overall time of 4:35:54 over a 13.36-mile high-altitude course. Her consistent pace progression is notable: starting with a 10:12 min/mile during the first 0.43 miles and managing to maintain a strong rhythm despite the increasing elevation, closing with a final pace of 24:06 min/mile. Initially, she gained momentum, advancing her position from the start, moving from 1480 to 1073 overall by Ruxton. Throughout the race, Michelle improved her position in the Female 30-34 age group from 74th at the start to 29th by the finish line, showing steady gains as she climbed. Particularly noteworthy is her resilience in the final third of the race above the tree line, where her pacing showed minor fluctuations, staying relatively steady despite the significant elevation gain. A focused approach on pacing strategies for the last few miles could result in an even stronger finish.