Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Michael Grunwald #1336 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Consistent Effort Amidst Altitude Challenges Michael Grunwald finished the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent in 5:18:39, covering the 13.36-mile course with an average pace of 23:51 min/mile. This race marked a slight increase in elapsed time compared to the previous year's 5:10:04. Starting strong, Michael maintained competitive positions, particularly at Ruxton with a compelling 10:23 min/mile pace, but gradually moderated pace to adapt to the increasing elevation and challenging segments above tree line. Throughout the race, Michael consistently performed well within the O50-54 age division, finishing 75th among peers. Noteworthy efforts include an impressive surge at "0.5 Miles To Go," moving from 80th to 71st in his division. Despite a challenging final split pace of 37:05 min/mile, Michael demonstrated resilience and strong strategic pacing. For future races, focusing on maintaining momentum in the later segments could optimize performance at high altitudes.