Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon Sculpture - Topo Style

A GPS and elevation‑accurate sculpture of the Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon

This is for the topo-style sculpture, see the topographic style sculptures here.

Route/Race Overview

The Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon is the iconic mountain race. It starts in Manitou Springs (around 6,300 ft) and climbs the Barr Trail to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 ft.

The Ascent is a one‑way run to the summit (≈ 13.3 miles), while the Marathon is the full round‑trip: up to the summit, then back down to Manitou Springs. 

Sculpture Types

These custom made in Colorado sculptures come in two styles:

• Topo Sculpture: Shows both the trail route and the surrounding terrain. So, you get tje peaks, ridges, valleys around Barr Trail, even the alpine zones above the timberline. Great for geographic context and visual impact.

• Trail Sculpture: Emphasizes only the trail route itself. Cleaner, simpler, very focused on the effort and the vertical climb. Ideal for someone who wants to remember the climb. Available here.

Sizes Available

Each sculpture is offered in four sizes:

• 11‑inch display piece

• 6‑inch display piece

• 3‑inch ornament with loop (for hanging)

• 3‑inch display version without loop

Materials & Colors

Two colors are most popular:

• Copper — great for emphasizing rugged alpine rock, sunrise/sunset glint, and especially striking for desert or rocky sections (though this course has lots of forest, tree line, and alpine terrain).

• Double green‑brown — great for a more natural-style feel; the trees, the dirt trail, the soil, the alpine grasses.

Many folks choose copper if they want contrast and a bold feeling; double green‑brown if they want something more natural, “you on the trail” feeling.

Why This Sculpture Makes a Killer Gift or Keepsake

• It captures the distance (13.3 mi up, 26.2 mi round trip) and the altitude gain (≈ 7,800 feet) up to 14,115 ft.

• It’s GPS and elevation‑accurate, so every switchback, forest section, alpine scrub is faithfully represented.

• The display sizes make it perfect for a wall, shelf, or desk; the ornament version works great on a pack, in a car, or as a Christmas gift.

Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon FAQ

Q: How long is the trail / race?
A: The Pikes Peak Ascent is about 13.3 miles one‑way from Manitou Springs to the summit. The Marathon is the full round trip, about 26.2 miles. 

Q: What’s the altitude?
A: The race starts around 6,300 ft in Manitou Springs and climbs to 14,115 ft at the summit. That’s about 7,800 ft of vertical gain.

Q: Where is it located?
A: On Barr Trail, starting in Manitou Springs, Colorado, climbing up Pikes Peak in the Pike National Forest.

Q: When’s the best time of year to go / run it?
A: The race is traditionally held in late summer (September). Weather can change dramatically at high elevation. Warm and sunny in lower forests, cold, windy, or even snow near the summit. For hiking or doing the climb outside of race day, summer through early fall is best. 

Q: What’s something unique about the trail?
A: Several things:

• The average grade is around 11%, quite sustained uphill, especially above tree line. 

• Much of the race is above timberline near the top. Experience exposed alpine, thin air, big vistas.

• It’s one of the oldest continuous mountain marathons in the U.S., with a storied history and a challenging mix of trail, altitude, and ascent/descent.