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Standing at the base of Pike's Peak, staring up at the formidable 14,115-foot summit piercing the Colorado sky, runners face more than just a grueling physical challenge—they confront what veterans call "the ultimate mental battle." Every year, over 2,500 athletes from 46 states and eight countries gather in Manitou Springs to test their limits in America's most iconic mountain race.

What keeps bringing elite and recreational runners back to this punishing course year after year? As one participant puts it: "You know this is a test against yourself... everybody that's out here is doing it and everybody's testing themselves." The Pike's Peak Marathon and Ascent aren't merely races; they're deeply personal journeys of self-discovery set against the backdrop of one of America's most magnificent mountains.

We dive deep into what makes the 2025 edition particularly compelling, examining the stacked elite fields in both the Ascent and Marathon races. The Ascent competition looks especially fierce this year, with Seth DeMoore, Brian Whitfield, Mika Bowdoin, and rising star Zach Erickson headlining the men's field, while Reena Schwartz leads an equally impressive women's contingent. Meanwhile, John Sinclair and Christina Conati both chase historic fourth consecutive victories in the Marathon.

The podcast also explores what sets Pike's Peak apart as one of America's three oldest trail races alongside Dipsea and Mount Marathon in Alaska. We examine the community cultures surrounding each event, race strategies for conquering the mountain's brutal upper sections, and ideas for enhancing the Pike's Peak experience for both participants and spectators. Whether you're a competitive mountain runner or simply fascinated by what drives humans to push their limits at 14,000 feet, this episode offers an inspiring look at the physical and psychological journey that awaits on America's Ultimate Challenge.

Ready to test yourself against the mountain? Join us as we unravel what makes Pike's Peak the definitive proving ground for trail runners from around the world.

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Follow James on IG - @jameslauriello

Follow the Steep Stuff Podcast on IG - @steepstuff_pod