Pikes Peak races offer big bucks to winners

This summer, for the first time, the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon will award big cash prizes to the fastest runners. The races also will offer a little something for the slackers who don’t sign up in time.

Race organizers have partnered with EAS, a company founded in Golden that makes athletic nutrition products, to offer $30,000 in prizes. The top finisher could rake in $4,000 to $7,000.

“We’re very excited,” race director Ron Ilgen said about the cash prizes. “This could bring some of the top athletes to challenge the peak.”

The races never have promised substantial prize money to lure elite runners. In the past several years, they have offered no prize money.

“We’ve had good competition in the past, but the field hasn’t been that deep,” said Manitou Springs resident Matt Carpenter, who holds the record in both races. “Last year we had a great runner from Europe who wanted to enter but didn’t. It just wasn’t worth it for her to fly out.”

The prize money comes entirely from EAS, which is sponsoring a nationwide eight-race endurance tour this year.

Paul Collins, who put the tour together, said he looked at hundreds of races and Pikes Peak was an easy choice.

“It’s a legendary race in an authentic location,” he said. “Plus, Pikes Peak is already pretty much the defacto world championships of trail running, so we really thought there was a great chance there. It stands out among competitors and has sort of an edginess that is the core of our customers.”

The company is the title sponsor and the races will be known as the EAS Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

Runners who miss the online sign-up — which opens and promises to fill March 1 — have a new treat this year. After registration has closed — which, if trends continue, might take only five hours — would-be racers can submit a 250-word essay on one of two topics: “Why you missed the boat and should be allowed in the race” and “What you would do/give to get in the race.”

Essays will be judged on entertainment value, not legitimate excuses or tales of hard luck.

“People always complain when they don’t get in,” said Carpenter, who suggested the essay contest. “It’s a lot of stress on both sides. Now I can say, ‘Oh, you still have a chance.’ Hopefully it will let everybody have a little more fun.”

INFORMATION

EAS Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon registration begins March 1 and is expected to close within hours.

ONLINE pikespeakmarathon.org