Pikes Peak Marathon

Pikes Peak Marathon 2026 Course Analysis

Pikes Peak Marathon is a full marathon held in Manitou Springs, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 22 August 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 2364m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 4279m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Pikes Peak Marathon website.

Elevation Profile

This is a very challenging course with 2364m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average trail marathon. The route ranges from 1927m to 4279m above sea level (2352m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.

Expected Race Day Weather

Based on historical weather data for August, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Moderate temperatures between 10°C and 24°C are expected. While comfortable for most runners, those targeting fast times should pay attention to hydration, as these temperatures can impact performance over the full distance. There is a moderate chance of rain (31%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.

Surface Type: Trail

Pikes Peak Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.

How Difficult Is Pikes Peak Marathon?

Our difficulty rating for Pikes Peak Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.

Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Pikes Peak Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.