Every August, Manitou Springs becomes the center of the mountain-running world. The Pikes Peak Ascent climbs from town to the 14,115-foot summit — roughly half-marathon distance with nearly 8,000 feet of gain — and the Pikes Peak Marathon does it and then runs back down.
For spectators it's a different kind of event: less stadium, more pilgrimage. The action is spread over a mountain and most of a day.
Races start in downtown Manitou Springs in the early morning — the Ascent and Marathon traditionally run on back-to-back weekend days. The start-line atmosphere is the spectator highlight, and Marathon finishers returning to town give the afternoon its drama.
The start and finish in Manitou are the accessible viewing points; the summit finish of the Ascent requires getting yourself up the Peak by highway or cog railway, which takes planning on a race morning. Barr Trail itself is restricted to racers during the events.
Expect the town full: parking at a premium even by Manitou standards, restaurants busy all weekend, and a crowd that skews fit and international. The free incline-side energy is real — it's one of the best people-watching weekends of the year.
Keep planning
The Ascent runs from Manitou Springs to the summit — about 13.3 miles, nearly all uphill. The Marathon covers the same route to the summit and then descends back to town, roughly 26.2 miles round trip.
Both races are traditionally held on a weekend in August, typically on consecutive days. Check the live listings on this page for the current year.
No — Barr Trail closes to general use during the races. Plan hikes for another day that weekend, or pick a different trail.