Pikes Peak Ascent Training
CJ Hitz finished 19th overall at the Pikes Peak Ascent in 2013 and 4th overall in that year’s Triple Crown, which includes the Ascent. He is a USATF Level 1 Certified Running Coach who helps runners train for it with a plan built around their own running background.
The Ascent at a glance
- 13.3 miles from downtown Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak
- About 7,800 feet of climbing, mostly on the Barr Trail, after 1.5 miles of road
- Next race: September 18, 2027, with a 7:00 AM start
- Online registration opens March 1, 2027
Race details are from the official Pikes Peak Marathon site. Check it for current dates and fees.
Why a plan helps on this course
More than 7,800 feet of climbing that ends at 14,115 feet is a different race from a flat half marathon. A plan built around your current fitness and your goal gives you something to follow week by week, and weekly accountability keeps you following it.
CJ’s Pikes Peak results
- 19th overall at the 2013 Pikes Peak Ascent
- 4th overall in the 2013 Triple Crown (Summer Roundup 12k, Garden of the Gods 10 Mile and Pikes Peak Ascent)
“CJ helped me take 20 minutes off my Pikes Peak Ascent time! I was able to easily surpass my initial goal by following the plan he gave me.”
Jesse Mascarenas, Colorado Springs
What you get with CJ
- An individual customized training plan based on your running background
- Weekly email correspondence
- Weekly accountability to help you succeed
- Nutrition advice to help you reach your goals
CJ coaches in Colorado Springs and online. Running the Pikes Peak Marathon instead? CJ writes customized marathon plans (12 or 18 weeks) and coaches marathon runners too. Tell him your race in the free consultation.
Coaching plans and prices
- 3 months: $120 a month, or $360
- 6 months: $110 a month, or $660 (paid upfront)
- 12 months: $100 a month, or $1,200 (paid upfront)
CJ accepts 10 private coaching clients per month so each one gets his focused attention. Because coaching is time intensive, there are no refunds.
Want just a plan? A customized training plan for the 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon or 50k is $99 for 12 weeks or $129 for 18 weeks, after a one-time 30-minute consultation.
Questions runners ask
When is the next Pikes Peak Ascent?
The official race site lists the next Ascent for September 18, 2027, with a 7:00 AM start. Online registration opens March 1, 2027. Check the official site for current details.
How long and how hard is the Ascent?
The Ascent is 13.3 miles from downtown Manitou Springs to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. It climbs about 7,800 feet, mostly on the Barr Trail, and begins with 1.5 miles of road.
Does CJ coach runners for the Pikes Peak Ascent?
Yes. CJ coaches runners training for races from the 5k to the 50k, in Colorado Springs and online, and he has run the Ascent himself, finishing 19th overall in 2013.
I am running the Pikes Peak Marathon. Can CJ help?
CJ writes customized marathon plans (12 or 18 weeks) and coaches marathon runners through his private coaching program. Tell him your race in the free consultation.
How much does it cost to work with CJ?
Private coaching is $120 a month for 3 months ($360), $110 a month for 6 months ($660, paid upfront) or $100 a month for 12 months ($1,200, paid upfront). A customized training plan without ongoing coaching is $99 for 12 weeks or $129 for 18 weeks.