Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Samantha Nelson #697 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Progression Through Altitude Samantha Nelson completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon, showcasing consistent performance amidst challenging conditions. Finishing with an elapsed time of 4:05:15, her overall pace was 18:21 min/mile. Samantha demonstrated significant improvement as the race progressed, moving from 882nd overall at the start to 406th by the finish. Starting at an elevation of 6303 feet and ascending to 14061 feet, the climb was steady, though her pace adjusted naturally with the increasing altitude. Notably, Samantha was 15th in her F45-49 division and 92nd out of all female participants. Her early splits reveal a strong initial push, with a 9:09 min/mile pace recorded at the Ruxton marker; however, as expected, pacing adjusted, with a pace of 24:15 min/mile in the final stretch to the summit. Continual focus on efficient pacing uphill can further enhance her performance in high-altitude segments.