Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Kali Spafford #1640 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Adaptive Pace Strategy at Pikes Peak Kali Spafford completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with an elapsed time of 5:54:29, maintaining an overall pace of 26:32 min/mile. Starting strong, Kali was placed 116th overall at the starting line. However, the competition intensified, with shifts placing her at 1707th by the Hydro Street mark, where a 17:29 min/mile pace was recorded over the initial 0.8-mile climb. Progressing through the race, Kali effectively moderated her pace as elevation rose, reflecting in measured split paces like 16:34 min/mile at Barr Camp and 32:18 min/mile approaching A-Frame. The final stretch above the tree line, often the most taxing sector, saw Kali climb from 1321st at "0.5 Miles To Go" to complete the race, marking her resilience. Notably, her strongest gains appeared in the challenging mid-race elevations. Future focus could refine high-altitude pacing, as segments such as the Bottomless Pit to A-Frame required spaced adjustments. Kali's performance reinforced her capacity to endure and strategically adapt in demanding conditions.