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UID:7504-1781341200-1876089599@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Big Five Marathon
DESCRIPTION:Are you a thrill-seeking runner looking for your next big challenge? Look no further than the Big Five Marathon in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Known as the “world’s wildest marathon\,” this race is not for the faint of heart. The stunning surroundings are reason enough to take on the challenge but add in the fact that it takes place in the heart of a wildlife reserve\, and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read on to learn more about the Big Five Marathon and why you should add it to your running bucket list. \nThe Course:\nThe Big Five Marathon takes place within the Entabeni Safari Conservancy\, which means runners are surrounded by some of Africa’s most majestic wildlife. As you run the 26.2-mile course\, you’ll have the chance to see the Big Five animals: lions\, leopards\, elephants\, buffalo\, and rhinos\, along with other incredible creatures such as giraffes\, zebras\, and wildebeests. Don’t worry\, though – the course is designed with safety in mind\, and rangers closely monitor the animals to ensure the safety of participants. \nThe course itself is challenging\, but the scenery and wildlife make it all worth it. Runners will traverse through mountains\, valleys\, grasslands\, and riverbeds\, all while surrounded by stunning views and incredible animals. It’s a truly unique race experience that you won’t find anywhere else. \nThe Community:\nOne of the most unique aspects of the Big Five Marathon is the impact it has on the surrounding community. The race is locally organized and works closely with the villages in the surrounding area. Community members are involved in everything from the race organization to the aid stations along the course. Additionally\, a portion of the race fees go towards conservation efforts in the area\, so not only are you getting to run through the wilderness\, but you’re contributing to its preservation as well. \nThe Preparation:\nIf you’re thinking of taking on this unique marathon challenge\, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First\, be prepared for the weather – the race takes place in June\, which is the middle of winter in South Africa. Temperatures can be chilly\, so pack accordingly. Second\, make sure you are properly trained for the course. The combination of hills\, uneven terrain\, and altitude make for a challenging run. Third\, don’t forget your camera! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some incredible wildlife\, and you’ll want to capture the memories. \nIf you’re looking for a race experience unlike any other\, the Big Five Marathon is the perfect choice. Not only will you get to push yourself physically\, but you’ll also have the chance to see some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitats. It’s a unique opportunity to combine adventure\, running\, and conservation efforts into one unforgettable experience. So lace up your shoes\, pack your bags\, and get ready to take on the world’s wildest marathon. \nCheck out our race catalog for more exciting races. \n \nRelated Races You Might Like\nLooking for more race options? Explore similar races: \n\nAdirondack Marathon Distance Festival\nAmazing Maasai Marathon\nAmsterdam Marathon\n\nSee our complete guides: Best California Races • Best San Diego Races
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/big-five-marathon/
LOCATION:Big Five Marathon | Location\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Road Races,Trail Races
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DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260920T130000
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UID:37987-1789887600-1789909200@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Pikes Peak Marathon
DESCRIPTION:The Pikes Peak Marathon is a world-renowned trail race that challenges runners with a 7\,815-foot ascent to the 14\,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak and back. \nCourse Highlights\nThe Pikes Peak Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging trail races in the world. Starting at an elevation of 6\,300 feet in Manitou Springs\, the course takes runners on a grueling 13.3-mile ascent to the summit of Pikes Peak\, reaching a staggering 14\,115 feet. Runners navigate the legendary Barr Trail\, which features a mix of steep inclines\, technical rocky sections\, and breathtaking alpine scenery. After reaching the summit\, marathoners must turn around and descend the same path\, testing their technical skill and endurance on the high-speed downhill return to the finish line in Manitou Springs. \nRace Details\nThe 2026 Pikes Peak Marathon is scheduled for September 20\, 2026\, with a typical start time of 07:00. The event is part of a race weekend that also includes the Pikes Peak Ascent\, held the previous day. Due to its extreme nature\, the marathon has strict qualification requirements and wave placements based on runners’ previous performance and experience at high altitudes. Registration for the 2026 event is set to open on March 1\, 2026. The race is operated under a special use permit from the Pike National Forest\, and aid stations are strategically placed along the Barr Trail\, though some require supplies to be packed in by volunteers or pack animals due to the remote terrain. \nWhy Runners Love It\nKnown as “America’s Ultimate Challenge\,” the Pikes Peak Marathon attracts trail running enthusiasts and elite athletes from across the globe. Its history dates back to 1956\, making it the oldest continually held marathon in the United States. Runners are drawn to the race’s unique atmosphere\, the camaraderie of the “Pikes Peak Trail Dogs\,” and the immense sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering one of the country’s most iconic Fourteeners. The race is not just a test of speed\, but a battle against altitude\, unpredictable mountain weather\, and the physical toll of a 7\,815-foot vertical climb and descent. \nAt a Glance\n\nLocation: Manitou Springs\, CO — United States\nNext Date: 2026-09-20\nDistances: 26.21 miles (42.2 km)\nStart Time: 07:00\n\nRegister & Learn More\nVisit the official race website for entry details\, course maps\, and registration: https://www.pikespeakmarathon.org/
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/pikes-peak-marathon/
LOCATION:Pikes Peak Marathon | Manitou Springs\, 606 Manitou Avenue\, Manitou Springs\, CO\, 80829\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trail Races
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UID:38924-1789887600-1789909200@whatracetorun.com
SUMMARY:Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent
DESCRIPTION:Course Highlights\nThe Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent represent the gold standard of American mountain running. The Ascent covers 13.32 miles from downtown Manitou Springs (6\,286 feet) to the 14\,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak — America’s most famous fourteener — gaining 7\,867 feet in a single unrelenting climb over Barr Trail. The full Marathon adds the return trip\, demanding runners descend the same brutal trail for a round-trip of 26.2 miles and 7\,834 feet of gain and loss. The course passes through Manitou Springs\, through dense forests\, exposed alpine tundra\, technical rocky scree fields\, and the final breathtaking above-treeline push to the summit. \nRace Details\nThe 2026 weekend runs September 19–20 in Manitou Springs. The Ascent takes place on Saturday\, September 19\, and the Marathon on Sunday\, September 20\, with a 7:00 AM start both days. Registration opened March 1\, 2026 at $200–$250\, and the race typically sells out quickly. Participants must register in advance — no day-of registration. Both races are self-supported with aid stations but demand significant mountain running fitness\, appropriate footwear\, and altitude acclimatization. Mandatory cutoff times are strictly enforced. \nWhy Runners Love It\nSince 1956\, the Pikes Peak Marathon has been the defining test of American mountain running. The race attracts elite runners from around the world alongside hundreds of determined everyday athletes who want to stand at 14\,115 feet having earned every single foot of elevation under their own power. The summit views — stretching across the Great Plains to the east and dozens of Colorado peaks to the west — are among the most spectacular on earth. Finishing the marathon is considered one of the toughest single-day athletic achievements available to recreational runners. \nRace Weekend Tips\nThe summit of Pikes Peak sits at 14\,115 feet — well above the altitude where acute mountain sickness becomes a serious risk. Arriving in Colorado at least one full week before race day is strongly recommended for sea-level runners. Train specifically on sustained steep climbs and descents; the downhill of the marathon is notoriously destructive on the quads. Carry a wind layer and rain shell regardless of the forecast — summit conditions can turn from sunny to whiteout in minutes. Trail shoes with good traction and rock plate protection are essential. \nRegister\nRegistration opens March 1 each year at pikespeakmarathon.org. With limited entries and intense demand\, register the moment registration opens. A deferral deadline applies\, and no refunds are issued.
URL:https://whatracetorun.com/event/pikes-peak-marathon-ascent/
LOCATION:Pikes Peak Marathon | Manitou Springs\, CO\, 502 Manitou Ave\, Manitou Springs\, CO 80829\, Manitou Springs\, Colorado\, United States
CATEGORIES:Trail Races
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