Pikes Peak Ascent

Manitou Springs, United States • 19-20 Sep 2026

Event overview

The Pikes Peak Ascent and Pikes Peak Marathon are mountain footraces held in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The Marathon covers a total of 26.2 miles, running from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet and then back to town. The Ascent finishes at the summit after 13.3 miles of uphill on the same route. Both races follow the historic Barr Trail on the east face of Pikes Peak.

Course, history and location

The Marathon and Ascent each climb about 7,800 feet in elevation. The ascent portion of the course is largely uphill and the elevation gain reduces available oxygen, creating substantial physiological demands on participants. The Marathon was founded in 1956 and is described as the oldest continually held marathon in the United States. The Ascent was once run on the same day as the Marathon but became a separate event in the 1980s. The event is hosted in Manitou Springs, which is about 16 miles from Colorado Springs Airport and about 90 miles from Denver International Airport. The dates listed for the next running are September 19-20, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

26 mi
7800 m+
Marathon - 26.2 Miles
13 mi
7800 m+
Ascent - 13.3 Miles
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Run the Kokopelli XC Invitational in Colorado Springs, featuring youth races and a competitive 5 km Open and Masters race. Part of the Colorado Long Distance Grand Prix Series with a $10,000 prize purse and club championship.

Located in Colorado Springs’ North Cheyenne Cañon Park, the Canya Cañon Trail Race & Family Hike offers a 4-mile trail race along the Columbine Trail, starting at the Starsmore Visitor & Nature Center (2120 S Cheyenne Canyon Rd). The course..

Take on the Colorado Cold Rush Ultra in Colorado Springs on Nov 22, 2025 with 50k, half marathon or 10k on scenic Bear Creek and High Drive trails. Runners get a race shirt, BOCO beanie, personalized bib, finisher award and post race food.

Run Cheyenne Mountain trails at Stories Trail Runs in Colorado Springs with 6 hour and 15 hour timed events plus 10k to 20 mile races. Choose a single race or a two day pass for a weekend of scenic, challenging trail running.

Run scenic singletrack at the Rattler Trail Race in Palmer Park, Colorado Springs, with options from 5K to 50K that pass sandstone bluffs and offer Pikes Peak views. Technical but rewarding trails suit a range of abilities.

Run scenic trails with Pikes Peak views at the Greenland Trail Races in Larkspur on May 2, 2026. Options from 4 miles to the RRCA National 50K Championship include chip timing, tech shirts, finisher medals and a 50K buckle.