Pikes Peak Ascent Recap

A 13.3 mile "run" up Barr Trail gaining 7,800 feet of elevation?
Go as fast as you can?
Sign me up.

One of these doesn't fit.  Sadly, I thought all three did at one time.

The Ascent in Manitou Springs, CO has to be one of the most epic races you can do during the year.  The climb takes you to heights, 14,110 feet, that provide 42% less O2 than sea level, and you could say it makes you notice.
Some races are held in beautiful places, the Ascent is one of these, but rarely during a race do you get to truly enjoy where you are running.  I can however tell you, there were a lot of rocks and you'll want a nice pair of trail shoes (I'd roll with some Saucony Peregrines)

The race starts on Manitou Avenue and takes you up Ruxton to the entrance onto the famous Barr Trail.  At the beginning, you can spot Pikes Peak in the distance behind a few smaller peaks that block your path.  Luckily, you can forget about where Pikes is for the next 2 hours as you climb through multiple switchbacks on the sides of the lesser peaks.
Eventually, the race becomes an individual war of attrition.  How many of your muscle fibers can continue to fire on your way to the peak?  

The fastest complete the over 13 mile journey in just over 2 hours.  Pretty impressive considering the continuous oxygen debt.  Hiking the trail is a nice accomplishment in itself and takes good fitness.  Put this one on your bucket list but don't underestimate the challenge.

Concluding tip:
Colorado Springs is a beautiful area and along with Pikes it contains Garden of the Gods, the Olympic Training Center, Air Force Academy, and Red Rock Canyon to name a few landmarks.  This race is worth the trip alone, but taking the week off afterwards and exploring the local area on vacation is time well spent for any runner.