Pikes Peak Marathon

I've run the Ascent a few times.  you never know about the weather above treeline but I will tell you in at least 6 times finishing the ascent I can only remember one time when I needed more than a light jacket and gloves.  That was last year.  Fortunately the weather was bad beforehand so I wore tights a several layers and was somewhat prepared...I was still wet and freezing my azz off at the finish though.  Check the weather report the day prior, if it looks like just a chance of thunderstorms then tie a jacket around your waste and maybe bring gloves and a hat.  If rain is forcasted, then be prepared for maybe snow above treeline and carry some warmer items to put on.  Also, even though the race is well supported I would recommend carrying some water.  Good luck...it's an awesome event!

the first time I ran the Ascent I was training with a girl that had previous Ascent experience.  I remember her telling me that my time for the Ascent will be very close to my full marathon time.  When she told me that I almost fell over.  I thought maybe for her...but not me!  Well, she was pretty much right on as my time for the Ascent was just slightly faster than my marathon time.  She ended up kicking my azz to btw.  So good rule of thumb is plan your pace per mile about double what you run for a marathon.  Might be a little faster or slower but it will be close.

As far as the most difficult part of the race I find to be from the Bottomless Pit to A-Frame.  This would be I think about mile 8 to mile 10.  This section just seems to get steeper and for me I have always had to have a serious talk with myself to keep running.  It does get harder after A-Frame too because you are now above 11,000 feet and sucking for air. But the grade is not as steep.   Past A-Frame though don't get discouraged to walk. The footing is bad in some areas and again...it's hard to breath.  Most people are not going to get to the top without some walking.  Just keep moving forward.  I've seen some walkers that can move faster than runners.

Good luck and have fun!