Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Asher Monroe #1350 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Solid Climb for a Young Competitor Asher Monroe, a 16-year-old from Castle Rock, CO, traversed the demanding 13.36-mile Pikes Peak Ascent, finishing in 4:50:17 and securing the 20th place in his division for ages 16-19. Starting with a brisk pace of 10:17/mile at Ruxton, Asher's pace naturally slowed as he gained elevation and encountered more challenging segments. He maintained a strong position throughout the race, peaking at 704th overall by Barr Camp before the final altitude-induced deceleration. Throughout the ascent, Asher's splits reveal a steady effort in face of increasing altitude, with notable steadiness at the 7.8 Summit (17:22/mile) and Barr Camp (13:35/mile). The final stretch above the treeline saw his pace slow to 31:18/mile, consistent with the extreme conditions. Improving race strategy at altitude will further enhance his endurance and pacing. Overall, a commendable performance showing potential for elevation adaptation with experience.