This August, runners in the Pikes Peak region will celebrate the 60th running of the storied Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. And the ceremonies for this landmark occasion will honor all that is running in our community, the events, clubs, race organizers, the thousands of runners, and the awe-inspiring history of running beneath our purple mountain's majesty.

Over these 60 years, the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon has played host to Arlene Piper, the first woman to run a marathon, who will join us again this summer. It has hosted world and USATFchampionships, and the Sky Runner World Series. Runners from around the world have gathered here to run through fires, floods, and snowstorms.

Together, we've watched in awe as long-standing records have been shattered. We've witnessed the young and old, fast and slow, test their limits and succeed.We have cheered as 51,683 runners crossed the Ascent finish line at 14,115 feet elevation, and we've welcomed 23,367 home to our marathon finish line in Manitou Springs. All told, Pikes Peak runners have covered more than 1.3 million miles and climbed 550 million vertical feet.

It's undeniable that running has changed dramatically over the past six decades. For instance: the half marathon is quickly becoming the most popular race distance and over half of American runners are women.  We like to think that is a trend that started with Piper's marathon run in 1959. We no longer buy our shoes at the "dime store" as she tells us was once the norm, nor do we rely on drinking from the creeks for on-course water.

Without a doubt, Colorado Springs has grown into a trail running mecca - boasting hundreds of miles of trails, three specialty running stores, races every weekend, and running clubs that are a model for others nationwide. With this tremendous growth, however, one thing has remained the same - just look west.  Pikes Peak continues to dominate our horizon and our summer race calendar.

Join us as we celebrate all things running at the foot of Pikes Peak this year!

The opportunities to get involved abound: you can run the Ascent, Marathon, or Triple Crown (remember, registration opens on March 18th).  You can join our force of over 500 volunteers who make these world class events possible.  You can help area organizations, like RMFI and Friends of the Peak, maintain our trails and training grounds.  Or you can follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with the excitement of another year spent running in Colorado Springs.