COLORADO SPRINGS — This year's Pikes Peak Ascent has been canceled while plans for the Pikes Peak Marathon are still up in the air, according to a release.
The decision was made "due to circumstances driven by COVID-19," but the Pikes Peak Marathon board of directors is hoping to get approval from the state to continue on with the Marathon with modifications.
“We feel that it is impossible to hold a version of the Ascent that would both be safe for runners and volunteers, and meet our standards for a quality event,” said Ron Ilgen, president of Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc. “We are working with El Paso County Public Health to apply for a variance to hold the Marathon, but chances of approval are unknown at this time.”
Those who have paid for the Ascent will receive a full refund or defer entries for next year. Pikes Peak Marathon runners will also have the option to receive a refund or defer entries up until June 20.
The Marathon is the "second-oldest continually held marathon in the United States" where participants run from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak and back, totaling 26.2 mountain miles. The Ascent climbs 13.3 miles to finish at the summit.
Registered runners should check their emails regarding these updates.
