Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Joe Smith #591 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Steady Progress Despite Increasing Altitude Challenge Joe Smith, 44, from Lincoln, NE completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon with a commendable time of 4:36:18, spanning a distance of 13.36 miles. Despite an overall placing of 720 out of 2049 participants, Joe displayed consistency throughout the race, particularly as the race elevation steadily increased from the start (6,303 feet) to the peak (14,061 feet). Notably, his initial splits were strong, including a promising split pace at the Ruxton segment (8:52 min/mile), placing him well initially. As the race progressed, Joe experienced a predictable deceleration, particularly notable from the A-Frame checkpoint onward, where the elevation exceeded 11,000 feet, impacting his split paces significantly. For example, from "2.5 Miles To Go" to the "Finish," the split pace averaged around 31:00 min/mile. Continuous improvement in Joe's elevation adaptation and pacing strategies will be beneficial for future high-altitude races, specifically in the final miles where conditions were most demanding.