2000 Pikes Peak Marathon Race Report

DISCLAIMER: This race report is not just about a race. It is lengthy and rambling and should only be read by those who want to know more than “why would anybody be crazy enough to run up and down a mountain?” I will share not just the details of the day but also the emotions and the misgivings and the triumphs and in order to do that you have to be patient and stick with me. It will take a while – there are over 14,000 words and lots of photographs here. Click on the thumbnails of the pictures to enlarge them. Still with me? OK. Here we go.


INTRODUCTION: Each year over 500,000 people visit the summit of Pike’s Peak just outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It is a magnificent mountain, towering over 8,000 feet above the plateau that stretches toward Kansas to the east. It is nicknamed “America’s Mountain” and has been promoted well over the years. The half million visitors come by car and cog train and a few hardy souls even hike up. Each August, an opportunity is given for individuals to test themselves against the mountain. This year over 1679 completed the Ascent on Saturday, while 739 crossed the finish line Sunday, having completed the 26.2 miles appropriately named “America’s Ultimate Challenge.” Either is a significant accomplishment.
I cannot run a marathon nonstop – physically or mentally. I must segment, that is, break the race into parts. It is critical to the enjoyment and even the survival of the marathon. In order to tell this story, I will divide the race up into the same segments that I did the day I completed the marathon. The Prologue will cover events and thoughts and fears before Sunday morning. The race has eight parts, Post-Race covers the recovery, and finally there will be Final Thoughts. See…I told you it would be involved. Hang on – you might find it worth your time.