Pikes Peak Marathon
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.