The start of a great footrace series is just weeks away, set to show off some of the most beautiful running routes in the Pikes Peak area.

On June 14, the Garden to Peak Challenge will kick off with the Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run. Taking place in its namesake park, this race follows a hilly route along paved stretches of the park, including the road and various footpaths. It’s a unique opportunity to run the park without worrying about vehicles amid stunning scenery along a creative route that takes full advantage of the area’s climbs and descents. The last mile or so of the run offers an exciting trip to the finish line, dropping down into Rock Ledge Ranch.

The second race to take place is the Barr Trail Mountain Race – a 12.6 mile trail run that’s sure to test both the uphill and downhill running strength of competitors on July 19. The climb up to Barr Camp comes first – half the distance of the race and with an elevation gain of about 3,600 feet. Once Barr Camp is reached, runners turnaround for more than six miles of downhill running on the same trail followed by a short, but steep uphill finish. Be warned – while the uphill portion of the this race starts off with cool morning temperatures, the trail can heat up quickly, making the downhill return a true test of physical condition and endurance.

Barr Trail Mountain Race is a great gut check for the final race of the series – runners choose between the Pikes Peak Ascent (September 19) or the Pikes Peak Marathon (September 20). Perhaps the most difficult foot race in the country, both races include a daunting 13.32-mile uphill charge up Barr Trail to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak with an elevation gain of 7,867 feet. While Pikes Peak Ascent runners are greeted with a shuttle that takes them back into Manitou Springs at the top of the mountain, Pikes Peak Marathon runners travel back down the same trail for a total distance of 26.2 miles. Expect the extreme elevation of the route and the lack of oxygen and potential for dangerous weather that comes with it to pose challenges.

Times from each race are tracked, with top competitors awarded at the end of the series. Find more information about the Garden to Peak Challenge and register for the various races here.

Note from the Author: I’ve competed in this series before and it’s a collection of three of my favorite races. If you’re a serious runner in the Pikes Peak region and beyond, I highly recommend checking this one out. All three races are great, but I’d have to say my favorite is Barr Trail Mountain Race – it’s a great test of both uphill and downhill running strength and it’s short enough that long-distance runners can push the entire time, making it highly competitive. Then when it comes to the final race – either the Pikes Peak Ascent or the Pikes Peak Marathon, there’s nothing like it. You may have ran a marathon before, but running uphill on some of the steepest trail in the area is indeed extreme. Do not underestimate the impact of elevation – it plays a major factor and can be difficult to train for. You’ll want to make sure you’re knocking out plenty of fourteeners beforehand as part of your training.