Trail Team Competes at Pikes Peak Ascent & Marathon

Earlier this season, the Western Colorado University Trail Team took on one of the most prestigious challenges in mountain running — the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. Starting in the heart of Manitou Springs, both races ascend nearly 8,000 vertical feet to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet. The Marathon then adds a grueling 13-mile descent off the peak and back into town.

Over the years, these legendary races have played host to the US Mountain Running Championships, the Golden Trail World Series, and some of the top athletes in the sport. This year, Western athletes and alumni added their names to that storied history with standout performances across both races.

In the Ascent, Anders Hekkli led the charge for the men’s team, placing 13th in 2:34:19. Grayson Lee followed close behind in 19th with a time of 2:41:42. At the same time, Mountain Sports alumnus Brian Whitfield claimed the overall win in a blistering 2:13:31. In total, the Trail Team placed five athletes (including alumni) in the top 20. On the women’s side, Aishling Fabian represented Western with a strong 40th-place finish in 3:36:59.

Western Secures Podium Finish in the Marathon

The next day’s cool and dry weather brought perfect racing conditions to the peak.

After 26 miles and nearly 8,000 feet of climbing and descending, Western’s Bayden Menton ran hard to an impressive third-place finish in 4:15:05. Teammates Ryan Welsh and Colin Cooper capped off an outstanding team effort, finishing 17th and 18th, respectively.

On the women’s side, Journey Fleishman led the way with a strong performance, finishing 16th in 6:12:03.

The weekend wrapped up with a near sweep of age-group podiums for the Western Trail Team in their strongest showing yet at Pikes Peak.