Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Ann Gruenbacher #905 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Strong Early Start, Polished Finish in Pikes Peak Ascent Ann Gruenbacher, aged 63 from Hamilton, OH, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with a commendable time of 5 hours, 50 minutes, and 29 seconds. She placed 20th in her F60-64 age division among 2049 participants. Ann showcased significant early strength, starting impressively with a pace of 9:35 min/mile at Ruxton. As the altitude increased, her pace naturally decreased, reaching 43:55 min/mile in the final stretch to the summit at 14,061 feet. Despite this, she maintained a consistent position within her division. Notably, Ann showed determination and resilience, improving her age division position from 29th at the start to a finish in 20th place. Focus on adapting her strategy for descending pacing will enhance future performance, particularly in the high-altitude segments.