Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Aaron VanBuskirk #981 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Improvement on Pikes Peak Ascent Aaron VanBuskirk completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent in 4:34:47, covering the 13.36-mile course with an average pace of 20:34 min/mile. Compared to last year, Aaron shaved off approximately 14 minutes from his previous time of 4:48:40. His placements also improved: 707th overall from 772nd, 524th in gender from 566th, and 69th in the 40-44 age division from 89th. Analyzing the splits, Aaron maintained impressive early paces: 9:48 min/mile after 0.43 miles and 12:30 min/mile by 1.23 miles. His pace adjusted appropriately as elevation increased, notably when the terrain exceeded 10,000 feet, visible at the "Bottomless Pit" split with a 21:39 min/mile pace. The final challenging stretches reflected strategic pacing at high-altitude, with the last mile clocked at 28:12 min/mile. Reviewing pacing strategy in the high-altitude portions could further enhance Aaron's performance in future races.