
Manitou Springs, United States of America · Sunday 22 August 2027
Pikes Peak Marathon is one of the most challenging marathons in the United States, held annually in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The race features a grueling 7,800-foot vertical climb to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, followed by a return descent for a total of 26.2 miles. The course begins on paved roads before transitioning to the Barr Trail, known for its steep inclines and varied terrain.
Adjusted Time
6:45:11
Time difference: +165.2 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
On our difficulty model, Pikes Peak Marathon plays about 136 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #4 hardest of 1151 marathons we analyse, and #1 of 576 in United States of America. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Pikes Peak Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 4:39:44 | +1:39:44 |
| 3:30:00 | 5:41:02 | +2:11:02 |
| 4:00:00 | 6:45:11 | +2:45:11 |
| 4:30:00 | 7:52:02 | +3:22:02 |
| 5:00:00 | 9:01:27 | +4:01:27 |
| 5:30:00 | 10:13:17 | +4:43:17 |
| 6:00:00 | 11:27:28 | +5:27:28 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Pikes Peak Marathon is a full marathon held in Manitou Springs, United States of America. It is scheduled for Sunday 22 August 2027. The course is run on trail surface with 2364m of total climbing, with its high point near 4279m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Pikes Peak Marathon website.
This is a very challenging course with 2364m of total climbing - well above the average trail marathon - topping out around 4279m above sea level. Hill training is essential, and you should expect a slower finish time than on a flat course.
Based on historical weather data for August, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Hot conditions are expected, with temperatures between 18°C and 29°C. Heat is one of the biggest performance factors in distance running - for every degree above 15°C, finish times can slow by roughly 1-2%. Extra hydration and a conservative start are strongly recommended. There is a moderate chance of rain (47%). Runners may want to prepare for wet conditions but shouldn't expect persistent rainfall.
Pikes Peak Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are usually slower than the road equivalent - often by 10-20% - because of uneven footing, technical sections, and frequently steeper gradients, though a smooth, non-technical or downhill trail can run faster than that suggests. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended.
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.
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