America's original mountain marathon — 7,800 feet up Pikes Peak and all the way back
Other trail races within 42 miles
Dubbed America's Ultimate Challenge, the Pikes Peak Marathon is a 26.2-mile mountain marathon that climbs 7,815 feet from Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak on the historic Barr Trail, then demands equal focus on the punishing descent back to town. Founded in 1956, it is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States and the first to allow female competitors. Arlene Pieper's 1959 finish here made her the first woman to officially complete a marathon in the US. The course begins with 1.5 miles of road before joining Barr Trail through pine and aspen forests, breaking above treeline at 12,000 feet, reaching the summit — then reversing every foot of it. The descent, on average, takes 63% of a runner's ascent time.
Recommended for seasoned ultrarunners
Manitou Springs, CO, United StatesSeptember 20, 2026
| Location | Mile | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Start Start | 0.0 | 6,322 ft |
Top of the W's Aid Station | 2.7 | 7,785 ft |
No Name Creek Aid Station | 4.3 | 8,816 ft |
Bob's Road Aid Station | 5.8 | 9,324 ft |
Barr Camp Aid Station | 7.6 | 10,203 ft |
A-Frame Aid Station | 10.2 | 11,949 ft |
Cirque Aid Station | 12.3 | 13,228 ft |
Summit Aid Station | 13.3 | 14,081 ft |
Cirque (descent) Aid Station | 13.9 | 13,228 ft |
A-Frame (descent) Aid Station | 16.0 | 11,949 ft |
Barr Camp (descent) Aid Station | 18.6 | 10,203 ft |
Bob's Road (descent) Aid Station | 20.4 | 9,324 ft |
No Name Creek (descent) Aid Station | 21.9 | 8,816 ft |
Top of the W's (descent) Aid Station | 23.5 | 7,785 ft |
Ruxton Aid Station | 24.5 | 6,998 ft |
Finish Finish | 26.2 | 6,362 ft |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Pikes Peak weather is notoriously unpredictable. September mornings at the Manitou Springs start (6,300 ft) are typically 60-70°F, while the 14,115-ft summit averages 35-55°F by mid-morning — a 50°F swing before accounting for wind chill. Late September afternoons in Manitou Springs can reach 90°F while above treeline temperatures can be in the 30s. Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are common above treeline. Snow is possible at the summit; in 2024 the Marathon was shortened due to snow and ice.
The summit at 14,115 ft is among the highest turnaround points on any marathon course in the US. Runners spend several miles above 12,000 ft each direction.
Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning are common above treeline. The race committee monitors real-time weather and may redirect or pull runners off the mountain.
Summit temperatures of 35-55°F are typical; wind chill can be significantly colder. A mandatory jacket is required; extra layers for the summit section are strongly recommended.
Snow at or near the summit is possible in September. In 2024 the Marathon was shortened due to snow and ice on the upper mountain.
While the start can be 90°F in late afternoon, above-treeline storm cells can drop ambient temperatures into the 30s. Be prepared for extreme swings.
No recommended gear specified
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