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What makes a mountain race become legendary? In this deep dive into the historic Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent, we're joined by Mark Tatum to uncover the remarkable journey of America's third-oldest and longest consecutively running marathon.

From its unlikely origins—when a Finnish doctor challenged smokers to race him up the mountain in 1958—to Arlene Piper becoming the first woman to complete a marathon in the United States in 1959 (in "dime store tennis shoes"), the race's heritage is as rich as the mountain is tall. We explore how the Jemez Pueblo runners dominated the early years and how Matt Carpenter's obsession with the mountain created records that stood untouchable for decades.

The mountain itself becomes a character in this story, humbling even the greatest athletes who've attempted to conquer it. We dissect the strategic challenges of racing at 14,000 feet, where oxygen drops by 40%, the infamous "W's" section can make or break your race, and unpredictable weather adds another layer of complexity. Through the years, Pikes Peak has witnessed the evolution of trail running itself—from local heroes to international superstars like Kilian Jornet, Rémi Bonnet, and Kim Dobson making their mark.

Whether you're a mountain running enthusiast or simply fascinated by endurance challenges that push human limits, this conversation reveals why Pikes Peak continues to captivate runners worldwide. As one racer put it: "It's just you're constantly wondering if you're going too hard and if you're going to die. It's the ultimate mental battle." And perhaps that's exactly why they keep coming back.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod

Use code steepstuffpod for 25% off your cart at UltimateDirection.com!