2014 WMRA CHALLENGE – PIKES PEAK ASCENT MANITOU SPRINGS USA

The Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon is a racing event that begins at the base of Pikes Peak, in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and climbs over 7,815 feet (2382 m) to the top of the 14,115 foot (4302 m) peak. Since 1966, the event takes place each year in late summer, with the Ascent taking place on Saturday (slightly longer than a half-marathon, at 13.3 miles), and the round-trip marathon on Sunday.

Elevation gain (start to summit) is 7,815′ (2,382 meters); the start is at 6,300′ (1,920m) and the summit is 14,115′ (4,302m). The Ascent finish/Marathon turnaround is at approximately 14,050′. The Ascent (and ascent leg of the Marathon) has very few stretches which are not going uphill with the average percent grade being 11%.

The Pikes Peak Ascent is the venue for the WMRA Long Distance event on 16th August.  The NIMRA team selected is Justin Maxwell (Team Captain), Ian Bailey, Chris Stirling and Peter Bell. Climb well lads!