This story has been archived from the Sunday, August 14, 2005


Lots more involved in holding race today

By IVAN OROZCO
THE GAZETTE

Runners from all over the country will gather next weekend in downtown Manitou Springs to compete in the 50th annual Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

Competitors will race up the 14,115-foot mountain Saturday during the Ascent, gaining 7,815 feet in elevation over 13.32 miles. Runners will travel up and down the mountain Sunday during the Marathon.

Both races begin at City Hall on Manitou Avenue and continue up Barr Trail. The Ascent consists of two waves, starting at 7 and 7:30 a.m. The Marathon begins at 7 a.m.

There will be aid stations — stocked with water, Gatorade, crackers and fruit — to help the runners hydrate and regain energy during the race.

If there is a weather emergency, the volunteers at each station will walk the runners down the mountain.

There will be 10-16 volunteer race officials throughout the course to assist and monitor runners, making sure they stay on the course.

General rules

Competitors must stay on the course. Cutting through switchbacks anywhere along the course will result in disqualification.

Failure to comply with the rules and/or officials’ directions also can result in disqualification. Course officials will report to course marshal Bob Street.

The course marshal will be responsible for collecting reports of rule violations and conferring with an appeals jury for a decision on disqualification. The appeals jury will consist of the course marshal, the race director and an affiliate with USA Track & Field.

Downhill runners always have the right of way. Runners should pass on the left.

Slower runners must stay on the right side of the trail so faster runners can pass. Slower runners and walkers should not block trails or impede others by walking abreast in pairs or groups.

Runners wishing to stop for any reason, such as to tie their shoes or take a picture during the race, are required to move off the course to allow others to pass.

Headphones and radios are prohibited to ensure runners can hear officials’ directions and other runners who might be passing.

No animals are permitted.

The use of walking sticks, poles or similar items also is prohibited.

Cutoff times for the first wave of Ascent runners are 10:15 a.m at Barr Camp (10:45 a.m. for second wave) and 11:30 a.m. at the A-frame shelter (noon for second wave).

Marathon cutoff times will be 10:15 a.m. at Barr Camp, 11:30 a.m. at the A-frame shelter and 1:30 p.m. at the summit.

Rules and regulations and race guidelines also will be posted at a pre-race expo and dinners. The expo and dinners will be held at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs. The expo will be at noon Friday and Saturday with the dinners at 5:30 p.m.


CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0178 or ivan.orozco@gazette.com


Copyright 2005, The Gazette, a division of Freedom Colorado Information. All rights reserved. Used with permission.


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