Pikes Peak Marathon Guide: Barr Trail Up and Back

Pikes Peak at a glance

The lower climb: Manitou to Barr Camp

After a short road start through town, the race hits the steep lower switchbacks almost immediately. The pack is tight and passing is hard, so start conservatively and accept a conga line. You will not win the race here, but you can lose it.

Above the early switchbacks, the trail eases into runnable forest singletrack. Settle into an effort you could hold for hours, alternating running and power hiking on the steepest pitches. Barr Camp, around the halfway point of the climb, is a good checkpoint for honest self-assessment.

Above treeline: Barr Camp to the summit

Above the A-Frame shelter the trees disappear, the air thins and the trail turns rocky. Most runners power hike much of this section. Expect your pace to slow dramatically per mile — that's normal at altitude, not a sign you're failing.

The final switchbacks near the summit, known as the 16 Golden Stairs, are where altitude feels heaviest. Keep moving, keep eating and don't stop to recover; short steps beat long pauses.

Altitude warning signs

Headache, nausea, dizziness or confusion at altitude are reasons to slow down or turn around, not push through. Follow the aid station volunteers' instructions.

The descent: where the race is decided

Many runners treat the summit as the finish. It isn't. The descent is long and fast in places, and the runners who trained for it gain huge chunks of time on those who didn't.

• Above treeline: technical and rocky. Prioritize footing, quick feet and eyes a few steps ahead.
• Through the forest: smoother and very runnable. Let gravity work, stay relaxed through the shoulders.
• Final switchbacks: quads are cooked by now. Keep cadence high and stride short.

Pacing by effort, not pace

Pace on a watch is close to meaningless here. Pace by effort and time instead:

1. Lower climb: conversational effort, even if the people around you are surging.
2. Middle climb: steady, sustainable; run the runnable, hike the steep.
3. Above treeline: controlled breathing, consistent forward motion, constant fueling.
4. Descent: the hardest effort of the day, carefully applied.

How to train for Pikes Peak

Specificity matters more than mileage. Our vert training guide covers this in depth; the short version:

• Build weekly vertical gain progressively and practice long power-hiking efforts.
• Train descending on purpose, including fast downhill repeats, to prepare your quads.
• Spend time at altitude before race day if you live near sea level.
• Rehearse fueling on long climbs; appetite often drops above treeline.

Logistics and weather

• Mountain weather changes fast. Summer afternoons on the peak can bring thunderstorms, hail and cold wind even after a hot start.
• Check the race's mandatory or recommended gear list and carry a lightweight shell.
• Book lodging in Manitou Springs or Colorado Springs early; race weekend is busy.

Pikes Peak Marathon FAQ

What's the difference between the Ascent and the Marathon?

The Ascent is uphill only, finishing on the summit. The Marathon goes to the summit and back down to Manitou Springs, so it includes the full descent.

Can I run the whole thing?

Very few runners do. Even fast finishers power hike steep sections, especially above treeline. Efficient hiking is a core race skill here.

How should I estimate my finish time?

Road marathon times translate poorly. Use results from runners with similar mountain-race history, and plan the climb to take well over half your total time.