Kyle Matthies
Pike's Peak Ascent
August 19, 2009 - On August 15, 2009, I completed the Pike's Peak Ascent 1/2 marathon in 4:07:28. The race covers 13.33 miles and 7,815 feet of vertical elevation gain finishing above the tree line at 14,115 feet above sea level.
Last year, the summit was completely snowed in and the race was called off several hours after the start. This year, we were very fortunate to have excellent weather. At the start at 7am, it was around 50 degrees in Manitou Springs, but we had clear skies and the sun warmed the air as the race progressed. Temperatures at the summit remained in the mid 30's for most of the morning, and although we encountered a a bit of hail on the way down, the lack of snow made everyone very happy.
This was truly unlike anything I have ever done. The race is really more like a very fast hike. There are some flat sections around 9,000 feet that you can run, but for the most part, the climbing is done at a very fast hiking pace with little rest.
Once you clear the tree line at approximately 11,000 feet, you must climb the final three miles and 3,000 feet up a rock pile that resembles the surface of Mars more than Earth. You fight every step to keep from falling as you struggle to maintain your balance and consciousness in the high altitude which has about 60% of the oxygen at sea level.
To add insult to injury, you can hear the announcer at the summit with about five miles left in the race. This is a welcome companion when you first pick it up in the forest and feel like you are making your way to the top, but it begins to torment more than aid the ascent as you emerge from the trees and continue to hear but not see the summit more than 3,000 feet above.
Overall, the experience was amazing. Looking out over the plains of Colorado, seeing all the way to Kansas, the view from the summit is unmatched by nearly anything I have ever seen before. And knowing that I ran all the way up made it even more rewarding! Now I need to find another adventure, but maybe something like scuba diving with an oxygen mask!
Pre-race in Manitou Springs with Pike's Peak in the background.
Just after completing the Ascent in 4:07:28.
Standing at the top with my dad.
The view from Garden of the Gods before heading down.