A new high-altitude marathon is coming to Colorado’s Pikes Peak, challenging runners to take on 26.2 miles of paved mountain roads while climbing toward one of the state’s most iconic summits.
The Pikes Peak Skybound Marathon is scheduled for August 7th, 2027, on Pikes Peak, often called America’s Mountain. The race will follow the paved Pikes Peak Highway, taking participants through sweeping mountain views, steep grades, and increasingly thin air as they climb toward the 14,115-foot summit.
The full marathon will feature an out-and-back course with more than 4,700 feet of elevation gain before runners turn around and descend the mountain. The event is designed to begin before sunrise, with runners starting by headlamp and continuing as daylight spreads across the surrounding mountains.
Full Marathon And Half Marathon Options
The Pikes Peak Skybound Marathon will offer both a full marathon and a half marathon, providing two ways to experience the demanding mountain course.
The 26.2-mile marathon will climb toward the summit before descending back down the highway. The 13.1-mile half marathon will be an ascent-only race, finishing at the 14,115-foot summit. Half marathon finishers will return to the start and festival area by event shuttle. Descending on foot and private summit pickups will not be permitted.
Despite following a paved road, the race is expected to be considerably more demanding than a traditional road marathon. Participants should be prepared for sustained climbing, high-altitude conditions, and changing mountain weather. Organizers recommend that runners have experience and appropriate training for the challenge.
What Runners Need To Know
The event will include aid stations providing water, but the race will be cupless. All participants must carry at least 16 ounces of fluid capacity and bring their own hydration bottles or packs for refills along the course. Additional details about aid station locations and available nutrition are expected closer to race day.
Spectator access will also be limited and will require an access pass, with further information to be announced.