Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent 2026 – Results
2026 · Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent · September 2026
⛰️ Manitou Springs, Barr Trail, Colorado · September 19-20, 2026
Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent
🏔️ To the 14,115-ft summit 🏆 America's oldest continually held marathon
TL;DR: The Pikes Peak Ascent runs Saturday, September 19, 2026, and the Pikes Peak Marathon runs Sunday, September 20, 2026, both starting at 7:00 AM in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The Ascent covers 13.3 miles and 7,815 ft of climbing up the historic Barr Trail to the 14,115-ft summit of Pikes Peak; the Marathon adds the full descent for a 26.2-mile out-and-back. Widely called America's toughest marathon. Results on Laurel Timing.
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Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent 2026 — Manitou Springs, Colorado
Founded 1956, oldest continually held marathon in the US · Results: Laurel Timing
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Results & Live Tracking — Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent 2026

On September 19-20, 2026, Manitou Springs hosts America's ultimate mountain running challenge.

The Ascent and Marathon climb 7,800+ feet up the legendary Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak. Follow every athlete on Laurel Timing.

Results → 🌐 Official Website →

Founded in 1956, the Pikes Peak Marathon is the oldest continually held marathon in the United States and the third longest-running marathon in the country. Widely regarded as America's most challenging marathon, it returns for its 2026 edition on the weekend of September 19-20, based in Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak.

The Pikes Peak Ascent runs first, on Saturday: a grueling 13.3-mile one-way race from the streets of Manitou Springs (6,300 ft) up the historic Barr Trail to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak — America's Mountain — climbing roughly 7,815 feet at an average grade of 11%. Landmarks along the way include Barr Camp, the A-frame shelter at treeline, and the famous 16 Golden Stairs, the final 32 switchbacks to the top.

The Pikes Peak Marathon follows on Sunday, covering the identical climb to the summit turnaround before a full 13.1-mile descent back to Manitou Springs, for a complete 26.2-mile out-and-back. Both races start at 7:00 AM, with pre-race staging in Memorial Park. Results: Laurel Timing.

2026 Race Weekend Schedule

PIKES PEAK MARATHON — 26.2 MILES, ~7,815 FT D+
Sunday, September 20 — Start 7:00 AM, Manitou Springs
Out-and-back to the 14,115-ft summit · America's toughest marathon
PIKES PEAK ASCENT — 13.3 MILES
Saturday, September 19 — Start 7:00 AM
One-way to the summit · ~7,815 ft climb, 11% average grade
BARR TRAIL & 16 GOLDEN STAIRS
Both races
Historic US Forest Service trail, final 32 switchbacks to the summit
EXPO — MANITOU SPRINGS
Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 17-19
Bib pick-up, beer garden, live music
Location: Manitou Springs, Colorado, at the foot of Pikes Peak. Start: Manitou Springs; Ascent finish/Marathon turnaround: ~14,050 ft. Dates: Ascent Saturday, September 19; Marathon Sunday, September 20, 2026. Both start 7:00 AM. Distances: Ascent (13.3 mi, ~7,815 ft D+), Marathon (26.2 mi out-and-back, same climb plus descent). Founded: 1956, oldest continually held US marathon. Surface: Barr Trail, decomposed rock and gravel, loose gravel above treeline. Results: Laurel Timing.

Key Course Points

Landmark Info Details
Manitou Springs START Both races 6,300 ft elevation, race start in front of City Hall
Barr Camp MID-COURSE Barr Trail Historic waypoint on the climb
16 Golden Stairs FINAL CLIMB Near summit 32 switchbacks to the top
Pikes Peak Summit FINISH/TURNAROUND 14,115 ft Ascent finish, Marathon turnaround point
AMERICA'S TOUGHEST MARATHON Manitou Springs, Colorado · Laurel Timing

Frequently Asked Questions — Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent 2026

When is the Pikes Peak Marathon + Ascent 2026?

The Pikes Peak Ascent runs Saturday, September 19, 2026, and the Pikes Peak Marathon runs Sunday, September 20, 2026, both starting in Manitou Springs, Colorado at 7:00 AM.

Where can I find results?

Live results are published on Laurel Timing.

How hard is the Pikes Peak Marathon?

It is widely regarded as the most challenging marathon in the United States: 26.2 miles out-and-back on the historic Barr Trail, climbing 7,815 feet from Manitou Springs (6,300 ft) to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak and back down.

What is the difference between the Ascent and the Marathon?

The Ascent is a 13.3-mile one-way race finishing at the summit, held the day before. The Marathon covers the same climb plus a 13.1-mile descent back to Manitou Springs, for a full 26.2-mile out-and-back.