Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Michael Girard #1534 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Climb and Consistent Challenge Michael Girard, 66, tackled the Pikes Peak Ascent with an overall elapsed time of 6:39:30 for the 13.36-mile trail. At the start, Michael swiftly moved from position 845, dropping to 1691 by Ruxton but settling comfortably into the race rhythm by Hydro Street, holding near the 1035 mark. His elapsed pace averaged 29:54 min/mile, a steady performance despite fluctuating elevation challenges from 6303 to 14061 feet. Specifically, the pace transitioned from 13:42 min/mile in the initial stretch to 53:47 min/mile at the summit, showcasing strategic pacing efforts to handle altitude and elevation gain. As the race progressed, Michael showed notable performance at Barr Camp and 2.5 Miles To Go, maintaining competitive positioning through challenging sections, ranking 31st in the O65-69 division overall. Considering Michael's endurance, focusing on consistent pace in final segments could enhance future races, particularly in the high-altitude miles leading up to the summit.