Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Scott Bickel #1282 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Control in High Altitude Challenge Scott Bickel completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent in 5:01:41, covering 13.36 miles with an average pace of 22:34 min/mile. Starting at 6,303 feet, the race challenged elevation strategies, peaking at 14,061 feet. The ascent took a noticeable toll on pace, particularly in the final high-altitude segments. His strongest split was at Ruxton, with a 11:13 min/mile pace. He improved significantly from positions at the start, climbing from a place throughout until the final segment, where positions ranged between 710 in gender and 122 in his division of O35-39. In the last 3 miles, Scott paced from 30:10 to a slower 31:49 min/mile as he approached the summit. He rallied from a mid-race position of 1,158 overall to finish strong at 1,007. To enhance future performance, consider endurance pacing where altitude impact is maximized. Adjusting training to mirror steep altitude changes could enhance upward efficiency in closing miles.