The Pikes Peak Ascent drew one of its largest groups of participants for the 69th annual event on Saturday.

Here are some notables from the race.

Colorado Springs sweep

Joseph Gray’s win on the men’s side and Allie McLaughlin’s first-place finish for the women helped Colorado Springs runners sweep the Ascent.

Gray and McLaughlin’s finishes mark the first time since 2021 that a pair of Colorado Springs runners won their respective races.

The competitors to last accomplish the feat? Gray and McLaughlin.

“This was a tough one and I’m so happy to win,” McLaughlin said. “Obviously it’s tough, but I’m glad it’s done and grateful for the result.”

DeMoors finish top 5, enjoy family outing

Although Seth DeMoor couldn’t capture an Ascent title this year he did share the spotlight with his brother.

While DeMoor placed second in the Ascent and clocked in at 2 hours, 14 minutes and 58 seconds, Joseph finished in 2:22:25 and was fifth in the race.

“I’m assuming we’re the top brother combo to finish this race,” DeMoor said. “I don’t know too many other brothers who raced Pikes Peak together.”

Their father, Joe, who also raced the Ascent in the past, supported DeMoor and Joseph. Joe, as well as DeMoor’s spouse and children, wore hats with ‘D’ emblazoned on the front from the DeMoor family store to show their support.

“It’s a family affair. My three oldest (kids) are here and the three youngest are back home sleeping in,” DeMoor said. “The big boys are here filming the race and having a good time.”

Most Ascent entries since before the pandemic

Participation for the Ascent hovered between 1,400 and 1,500 from 2019 through 2023. The Ascent portion of the weekend did not take place in 2020 due to the pandemic.

This year, nearly 2,000 competitors participated in the Ascent as 1,996 racers made the 13.3-mile trek up Pikes Peak.

The race last broke 1,500 runners in 2018 when 1,704 competitors signed up.

“We’re grateful to see the increase since the pandemic,” Jordan Linder, Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon race director said prior to the Ascent. “It’s amazing to see how many people are willing to come out and participate in this race.”

Ascent record remains untouched

In 2023, Swiss runner Rémi Bonnet nearly ran a sub-two-hour Ascent as he broke Matt Carpenter’s 30-year-old record and clocked in at 2:00:20.

Besides Bonnet, since 2018, no runner has approached Carpenter’s time on the Ascent. Outside of Gray, only one runner, Daniel Osanz in 2022, has hit sub 2:10 in the last five years.

After running in the previous two races, Bonnet did not compete at this year’s Ascent.

Vet trumps new(ish) blood

Hali Hafeman entered Saturday’s race with one prior Ascent in her back pocket, but did have a few practice runs on the course prior to this year’s Ascent.

But McLaughlin completed her sixth race. That proved to be the difference.

“I didn’t really see Allie until we got above tree line,” Hafeman said. “Doing the race last year definitely helped and I ran the course a couple of times before the race this year. Hopefully next year I can take a couple of minutes off of my time.”

The Air Academy grad remained poised as Hafeman closed the gap toward the race’s finish, which allowed McLaughlin to remain in front.

McLaughlin’s win on the women’s side is her second since 2021.