Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Zarya deSouza #62 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Effort at High Altitudes Zarya deSouza, 26, from Colorado Springs, CO, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent half marathon in 5:03:42, covering 13.36 miles with an overall pace of 22:43 min/mile. Starting strong, she maintained her top ten division rank through Ruxton with an impressive pace of 7:48 min/mile. Her strongest segment was the opening 0.43 miles, showcasing her initial pace strength. Zarya's strategic pacing became evident as she tackled the steep inclines and high elevations. The completion took her from an elevation of 6303 feet to 14,061 feet, with the final stretch proving more challenging, culminating in a reduced pace of 34:46 min/mile at the finish. Compared to her previous race, Zarya's performance dipped, as she placed 303rd by gender and 34th in her division, indicating a possible area of focus for future targeted elevation training. Despite this, her commitment to pushing through the grueling ascent is commendable.