Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Rudy Wencl #860 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Persistence in High Altitude Conditions Rudy Wencl, hailing from Colorado Springs, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent in 6:19:44, covering the course at an average pace of 28:25 min/mile. Compared to his previous attempt in 2024, where he finished in 4:42:51 with a pace of 21:10 min/mile, there was a notable increase in elapsed time. The elapsed pace slowed considerably in the later sections of the race, particularly after the Barr Camp checkpoint, indicating the increasing challenge faced above treeline and in the final stretches. Starting strong at Ruxton with a 9:44 min/mile pace, Rudy's performance at higher altitudes slowed, as evidenced by his 63:07 min/mile split near the A-Frame, which is reflective of the altitude (11,933 feet) challenges. His consistency in pushing forward through this difficulty can be seen from his progression to the finish at 14,061 feet. For future races, focusing on altitude-specific training might help in improving performance during steep and elevated portions of the course.