Pikes Peak Ultra is a 50 miles / 80km ultra marathon in Manitou Springs, United States. Distance: 80km. Elevation: 4,200m D+. Difficulty: challenging (Challenge Rating 53/100). DNF rate: 20%. Time limit: 20h. Surface: trail. Established 2019.
Pikes Peak Ultra
Manitou Springs, Colorado, United States
"Double summit of Pikes Peak at 4,302m. Thin air and lightning."
A double crossing of Pikes Peak on the historic Barr Trail.
The Course
A summit-and-return ultra on Pikes Peak (4,302m) in Colorado — the mountain that inspired "America the Beautiful." The course ascends from Manitou Springs through alpine forest, above treeline into tundra, to the summit, then returns the same way. The 2,400m of elevation gain in 21km creates one of the steepest race profiles in North American ultrarunning. Above 3,500m, the thin air punishes any runner who went out too hard on the climb.
mountainous
out-and-back
6
4,302m
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Mountain village finish with local food, drinks, and a relaxed post-race atmosphere. The setting rewards the effort.
Race Day Weather
18°C
-2° – 30°
30%
40%
Colorado summer — hot at base, freezing at summit.
Stats & Records
2019
250
14:00:00
Entry
$175
January
days
Lore & Trivia
Pikes Peak has been a racing destination since 1956 when the original Pikes Peak Marathon began — one of the oldest trail races in America. The mountain was named after explorer Zebulon Pike (who never actually reached the summit). Katharine Lee Bates wrote "America the Beautiful" after reaching the top by mule in 1893. The ultra extends the classic marathon ascent-descent into a longer mountain experience, and the altitude — starting at 1,980m and reaching 4,302m — makes it one of the most physiologically demanding races in the US. The cog railway that runs alongside the course provides an awkward contrast: tourists waving from trains while runners suffer in thin air.
- ▸ Pikes Peak inspired 'America the Beautiful' in 1893.
- ▸ At 4,302m, one of Colorado's iconic fourteeners.
- ▸ Lightning above treeline is extremely dangerous.
- ▸ Established in 2019.
- ▸ Total elevation gain: 4200m.
The mountain that inspired America the Beautiful. You understand why when you reach the summit gasping at 4,300 metres.
Compare with another race
Similar Races
4 APR 2027
Blackwater 50
Davis, United States
11 APR 2026
Brazos Bend 50
Needville, United States
21 NOV 2026
JFK 50 Mile
Boonsboro, United States
3 OCT 2026
Angeles Crest 100
Wrightwood, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pikes Peak Ultra? +
Pikes Peak Ultra is a 50 miles / 80km (80km) ultra marathon with 4,200m of elevation gain. The course is out-and-back on trail terrain.
How hard is Pikes Peak Ultra? +
Pikes Peak Ultra is rated challenging with a Challenge Rating of 53/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 20%. Runners have 20 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Pikes Peak Ultra? +
Average temperature is 18°C (range -2°C to 30°C) with 30% humidity and a 40% chance of rain. Colorado summer — hot at base, freezing at summit.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Pikes Peak Ultra? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 40km.
What is the average finish time for Pikes Peak Ultra? +
The average finish time is 14:00:00. About 250 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 20%.
Are you the organizer? Claim this race
Stay in the loop
New races, course records, and stories from the trail — monthly