Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Michael Cantrell #1258 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 with Elevation Challenges Michael Cantrell, 36, from Colorado Springs, completed the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent, a half marathon with a total elevation gain from 6,303 to 14,061 feet, recording a finishing time of 4:56:00. Michael's overall place was 948 out of 2049 participants. The elevation impacted pace, particularly in the later stages, as expected from the increasing altitude and fatigue. Initial segments showed a steady start with a 10:35 min/mile pace at Ruxton. Michael's performance during significant elevation points was steady. At the '7.8 Summit' he maintained a 16:16 min/mile pace, and at the 'A-Frame' at 11,933 feet, his pace was 27:39 min/mile. The final stretch—from the '1 Mile To Go' mark—saw a pace increase to 32:00 min/mile as the course reached its highest elevation. Emphasis on adapting to altitude changes and focusing on maintaining effort in later splits could potentially improve overall timing in future races.