Pikes Peak Marathon

The Pikes Peak Marathon was founded in 1981, during the golden age of mass-participation running. Now 45 years old, it has established itself as a beloved fixture in Manitou Springs, growing from its early editions into a race with genuine character and loyal following.

The fastest time ever recorded at the Pikes Peak Marathon is 03:16:42, set by Matthew Daniels in 2021. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Manitou Springs.

With 2560m of elevation gain, the Pikes Peak Marathon is not a course for the faint-hearted. The climbs are where races are won and lost — where the gap between training and undertrained reveals itself without mercy. Locals say the course doesn't beat you; it just waits for you to beat yourself.

The Pikes Peak Marathon carries an "extreme" difficulty rating for good reason. The combination of terrain, conditions, and distance creates an event where finishing is a genuine achievement. Drop-out rates are high, preparation requirements are serious, and the line between adventure and misadventure is thin.