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Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent returns despite obstacles

Posted at 12:58 PM, Aug 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-19 19:23:42-04

MANITOU SPRINGS- With a sinkhole at the end of the race’s typical finish line, and a myriad of challenges- this year’s Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent managed to pull through to deliver once again.

‘This isn’t our first rodeo,’ said Ron Ilgen, the marathon’s President, who added he’s lucky to have such passionate people working and volunteering their time to the event.

This year presented some unique challenges for the marathon.

A crowd gathers in Manitou Sunday to watch runners complete the Pikes Peak Marathon.

 

A sinkhole opened up just weeks before the big race along Ruxton Ave.

This made for a challenge for event organizers, as they had to move the start and finish lines for the event.

Additionally, Saturday’s weather caused concern with the potential for lightning.

Event organizers decided to shorten the ascent to Barr Trail instead of the summit of America’s mountain.

Those are just a few of the challenges, the construction of the summit house and the closure of the Cog Railway also caused some headaches for the organizers