Results/Photos

Date: Sept. 20, 2025 Participant: Christina Gehrke #1652 Race: 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon Distance: 13.1 miles Weather: Chilly start. Heavy winds (tail/cross wind). Sunny at the finish.

Improved Performance with Consistent Pacing Challenges in High Altitude Christina Gehrke showcased determination during the 2025 Pikes Peak Ascent, completing the half marathon in 5:45:20, which is an impressive improvement over her 2024 time by 16:25. The steep incline and altitude increase led to an average pace of 25:50 min/mile. Key splits include the "Bottomless Pit," where pacing slowed significantly to 39:12 min/mile, which might have contributed to an overall delay later in the race. Despite this, Christina showed consistency by maintaining a relatively uniform pace in the final 3 miles. While finishing 1350th overall and 64th in the F45-49 division, her standing dropped since the first split. Her splits between "Barr Camp" and “1 Mile To Go” revealed a gradual increase in time per mile, peaking at 36:04 min/mile in the final segment. Focusing on building endurance and acclimatization to high altitudes may benefit her pacing over the last stretch.