Pikes Peak Skybound Marathon to Launch in August 2027
Runners in Colorado Springs can prepare for a new marathon and half-marathon event on the Pikes Peak Highway.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Running
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The inaugural Pikes Peak Skybound Marathon is set to take place in August 2027, introducing a new race format on the Pikes Peak Highway. Runners in the Colorado Springs area can choose between marathon and half-marathon distances for this high-altitude event.
Why it matters
This event adds a new option for runners looking to experience the Pikes Peak summit, diverging from the traditional trail-based routes that have defined the mountain's racing history since 1956. The use of the paved highway creates a different physical experience compared to existing trail-based competitions.
The race is a new addition to the regional calendar, following the 1956 debut of the original Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent. While the existing races rely on the Barr Trail, this new event is scheduled for August 2027 and utilizes the paved Pikes Peak Highway.
The players
Colorado Springs Sports Corp.
An organization dedicated to managing sporting events and fostering community activity in the Colorado Springs area.
Satori Endurance
An organization focused on the coordination and development of endurance athletic events.
Skyman Inc.
A partner organization involved in the logistical planning and execution of the Skybound Marathon.
The details
The race course takes participants up the paved Pikes Peak Highway to the mountain summit before requiring a descent down the same road. As a high-altitude challenge, the event begins in the dark, requiring runners to utilize headlamps for the early portions of the course. The format includes both a full marathon and a half-marathon distance.
Timeline
1956: The year the existing Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent began.
August 2027: The scheduled month for the inaugural Pikes Peak Skybound Marathon.
Health Landscape
This race marks a departure from the trail-based tradition set by the 1956 Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent by utilizing a paved highway route. It broadens the options for high-altitude endurance events in the region by utilizing existing infrastructure instead of traditional hiking trails.
High-altitude racing requires specific physiological preparation to manage the physiological stress of the mountain environment. If you are considering participation, discussing your cardiovascular baseline and acclimatization plan with your physician is an important step in your training.
The takeaway
The addition of a paved-route marathon provides a new way to challenge endurance on the slopes of Pikes Peak. If you plan on tackling high-altitude courses, begin monitoring your response to elevation changes well in advance of your training cycle.
Further reading
For more on local endurance events, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.
Live Poll
Do you prefer mountain races that use paved roads or those that use rugged natural trails?
