This course challenges you mentally, spiritually and physically. Mile 11-12 was a grueling 35-minute pace for me! So why do it? Because the pains and difficulties of the race will long be forgotten and in its place is left a deep sense of respect for what you were a part of and joy for completing what you started. This course is intense and requires you to push your limits, which makes for an amazing sense of accomplishement when you cross the finish line, put your medal around your neck and, in my case, vomit and receive oxygen! Experience this at least once in your life and be proud of yourself afterwards!

This was the 4th time that I have run this race and it was my 51st (same as my age) marathon overall (plus 23 ultras).

I first ran the Pikes Peak Marathon in 2000. I wanted to run a marathon in Colorado, and since it is a long way from my home in New Jersey, I was looking for the greatest challenge possible. I walked most of the race, and was able to beat the cut-off by only two minutes. My first thought was that I had met my goal of a marathon in Colorado, and there was no need to ever return.

After about three weeks, I realized how great the Pikes Peak Marathon is, and I began to think about coming back. I also realized that it was a waste of time to come all the way from New Jersey and not 'Double', i.e., run both the ascent (half-marathon) on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday.

2003 was the third consecutive year that I have completed the Double. I am already planning to return to run both races in 2004.

In summary, this is my favorite marathon. The scenery is incredible, there is not much one can do about the altitude, and there is only one major hill. I would recommend this race to others and I look forward to running there again next year.

This is a spectacular, well-organized event. The scenery is incredible. It remains the most difficult marathon I've ever finished. Finishing was something akin to having a religious experience. Save plenty of energy for the descent. That was the toughest part of the race for me. If you are a flatlander figure on at least double your normal marathon time. The Barr Trail is well graded and you can actually run most of it if you are tough enough. I guarantee you that only world class mountain runners will be running uphill at the top!! Register early, this one fills fast!

This was my 12th marathon, and it while this was the most demanding course I've run it was also the most fun I've ever had in a race. As a flatlander I was sure that I was going to be dead once I got to the treeline because of the altitude... but it is manageable. Just be well trained, pace yourself, take extra water at every stop, and *no matter what* just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Most people need to walk the majority of the uphill leg, and the trail is so narrow that passing is very difficult. So if you want to RUN the ascent you need to be sure to get near the front of the pack in the first mile or you will be trapped and will only be able to run in short spurts (granted that is all that most runners can muster on this course anyways!)

The downhill leg is FUN, but don't get cocky... a lot of people get injured in that part. If someone wants to sprint past you on the downhill, let them... you will probably see them again in the first aid tent at the end.

The scenery is incredible, and the race is well supported... they even have grapes at all the water stops. Hats off to the volunteers for their hard work. Keep in mind that the AVERAGE time to finish this race is over 7 hours, so they really need to put in the overtime. As for spectators, they are almost nonexistant except at the start/finish and at the peak. Most spectators need to drive to the peak, which takes about 1.5 hours each way... and since they need to spend a long time at 14000 feet (can you say 'altitude sickness'?) this event can be a demanding one just to watch!

I just returned from my first Pikes Peak Marathon, one of the outstanding and most moving experiences of my life. Following the famous Barr trail, the course climbs and then descends the 14,110 Peak. This is one tough race, especially for a flatlander, but if you train really hard you are in for a glorious run. Race management is first class all the way, and fans (at the beginning and end only) are terrific.

This is an awesome event. There is a place for everyone. The support for the runners is superb. The encouragement from other runners is inspiring, especially during the ascent portion of the marathon. The scenery is spectacular. Whether you are an elite runner or a 'slogger' or somewhere in between, the sense of accomplishment for a job well done is unlike any other you will experience.

You must run this race to understand the magnitude of the experience. When you reach the summit the feeling of accomplishment is indescribable. The organizers of this event are outstanding. The support staff up and down the mountain are amazing. Manitou Springs is a warm and inviting community that eagerly embraces the race. This race isn't about fast times. It is about the trial and triumph that each runner will encounter along the way. If you want a real challenge and an experience that you will tell your grandchildren about, this is the race for you.

This year was my first time to double up as I had completed the ascent twice and the round-trip 4 times. Once I turned age 60 I thought it would be a good goal to do them both. On Sat my ascent time was 3:45. on Sunday my ascent time was 3:58 and round trip time 6:02 for 2nd place in my age group. I have enjoyed the run each year and want to thank the staff and all the volunteers who help for all their hard work to make it such a great experience. I am really looking forward to the special shirt for us who doubled up, and have worn all my other shirts proudly. Thanks again. Don Mosel.

If you can only run marathon in your life, this is the one! If you are an avid runner and want a challenge, you will not be disappointed. The Pike's Peak Marathon literally separates the men from the boys. The encouragement you receive from each runner whether it is the half marathon or the up and down, knee pounding, heart racing, vein popping bottom to top to bottom jolt you will not find better fans, support crews, organizers, or a more beautiful city and people than those in Manitou Springs.

This race is great. The crowd support is fantastic. The locals are a little more laid back than in the east, so enthusiasm for the race is coupled with enthusiasm for the outdoors and moutaineering. Knowing that people hike up and down the Barr Trail to help with the race is inspirational, and to finish the race is a spectacular feat.