Two of the most extreme foot races in the country are set to take place in Colorado this weekend – the Pikes Peak Ascent on September 19 and the Pikes Peak Marathon on September 20. Runners of the Ascent will gain nearly 8,000 feet of elevation while traveling 13.3 miles to the 14,115-foot Pikes Peak summit while Marathon runners will reach the summit via the same trail before turning around and heading back to Manitou Springs.
Intensity of the run and oxygen struggles related to the high-elevation nature of the event aside, weather can also become a major concern – even capable of turning runners around mid-race. As elevation is gained, the temperature drops, and once runners reach tree line, they lose all protection against wind and potential lightning, as well as potential rain, sleet, snow, and hail.
A few days out from this year’s event, it looks like there’s some good news and bad news based on the Mountain-Forecast weather prediction for the peak – and keep reading, because this report will take a look at a conflicting source, too…