Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Vernon Lawhorn #1165 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Performance Despite Increased Challenge Vernon Lawhorn, competing in the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent, completed the half marathon course in 5:09:41, with an average pace of 23:10 min/mile. Starting strong, Vernon's opening split at Ruxton was logged at an 11:12 min/mile pace. With elevation steadily increasing and difficulties mounting, the pace shifted more as he approached 14,061 feet at the summit. In the final stretch, his pace settled around 33:40 min/mile. Assembled with 2,049 participants, Vernon placed 1071st overall and secured the 70th position in the O50-54 division. Looking back at the 2024 edition of the race, Vernon held a slightly quicker finishing time of 4:57:35 hours, averaging 22:16 min/mile. While this year's overall position shifted lower among a slightly larger field, Vernon's resilience should be acknowledged, having maintained competitive division standing under increasingly demanding conditions, particularly with the steeper ascent towards Pikes Peak's imposing elevation. A focus on pacing in later miles might offer returns in future ascents.