Why were times slower at the Pikes Peak Ascent?

The top times at the Pikes Peak Ascent on Saturday were much slower than those of a year ago.

In fact, race-winner Touru Miyahara’s time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 42 seconds was more than five minutes slower than 2014-winner Sage Canaday’s time of 2:10.03.

You could probably argue it was because Miyahara and second-place finisher Andy Wacker got off course late in the race, which could have have lead to swollen times up top.

You could also believe it was just one of those years.

Some runners, meanwhile, think there is more to it.

Simon Gutierrez, who has run the Ascent for 12 years, said erosion at the start of the course is behind the slower times.

“It’s a harder run than it was a few years ago,” said the 49-year-old, who has run the Ascent since 2003 and has won three of them. “It might be the same once you get on the trail, but the course is tougher in the first three miles.”

Tim Parr, the third-place finisher, had another take. He said he thought it could have been due to the race’s early tempo.

“We went out really fast,” Parr said. “I know for me, it made me a little sluggish. Maybe that was it.”

Race temperature was in the mid-60s at the start line, and race waves were sent off every minute, instead of two minutes, like it had been in past years..

Taped-mouth runner finishes Ascent in more than six hours

Frank Seaman, who runs with surgical tape over his mouth for health reasons, ran the Pikes Peak Ascent in 6:35:20, two hours off his target.

The 67-year-old told The Gazette that running with tape over his mouth decreases thirst and reduces congestion.

For more of his story, read the story here.