This story has been archived from the Friday, February 1, 2008

Ascent changes

It used to be that anyone could run the Pikes Peak Ascent.

Fast runners qualified for the first wave.

Slow runners (and walkers and crawlers) ended up in the second wave.

But the race, held every August, has become increasingly popular. In 2007, the 900 slots in the second wave filled up in less than 10 minutes.

Now, race organizers plan to impose criteria for the second wave to make sure only fit runners sign up.

Would-be second wavers now have to prove that in the last five years they have run one of the following:

The Pikes Peak Ascent or the uphill half of the Marathon in less than 6 hours 30 minutes
a standard marathon in less than 5:30
a standard half-marathon in less than 2:30

“While this was mostly done as a safety precaution,” said race registrar Matt Carpenter, “this should open up more spots in Wave 2 to those with a better chance of actually finishing it. “

Race organizers also expanded a local-friendly loophole. Anyone who wants to run the three races of the Pikes Peak Triple Crown of Running — which includes the Pikes Peak Ascent or Marathon, and Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run and Summer Roundup Trail Run 12K — will have a separate sign-up.

If you do not run the first two races, you forfeit your position for the ascent or marathon.

One more change: Racers will not have to be at their keyboards early in the morning to register.

Sign-up for the general public is March 12: noon for the second wave, 12:30 p.m. for the first wave, and 1 p.m. for the marathon.

Info: http://www.pikespeakmarathon.org.

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