Pikes Peak Marathon

Runners in the Pikes Peak Marathon face an extreme elevation gain of about 7,815 feet as they run up to the summit of Pikes Peak. The peak itself sits at a staggering altitude of 14,115 feet above sea level.

The extreme altitude at the summit can cause runners to suffer from hypoxia and altitude sickness, while the trail features steep, rocky technical terrain. Additionally, the weather on the mountain can change rapidly, bringing freezing temperatures and lightning even during the summer race in August.

The race was originally conceived in 1956 by Arne Suominen, a smoker who wanted to prove smoking didn't hinder athletic endurance. The first official ascent-only race to the peak was held that year, and the marathon format followed a decade later.

The men's course record is held by Matt Carpenter, who completed the grueling out-and-back race in just over three hours and sixteen minutes in 2008. The women's record is held by Stevie Kremer.