Pikes Peak APEX
📍 Colorado, USA
North Carolina, USA · 24–26 July 2026
Difficulty: 5/5 — Brutal
This 61-62 mile MTB marathon race assaults Mount Mitchell with over 8,400 feet of climbing on rugged, natural terrain and singletrack. Considered one of the Southeast's most exciting and demanding mountain bike races.
Visit official site →Experienced mountain bikers looking for a challenging, marathon-distance race with significant climbing and technical singletrack.
Riders unfamiliar with sustained climbing, technical descents, or those who underestimate the extreme difficulty and natural conditions of this race.
Build significant aerobic endurance for long climbs, practice technical descending skills, and prepare for prolonged periods on rugged terrain.
Compare your W/kg to see how you stack up against this race's typical level — and which races fit you best right now.
There are two course options for 2026: 'First Choice' is 61.2 miles with approximately 8,456 feet of elevation, and 'Second Choice' (Option B) is 62.7 miles with approximately 8,919 feet of elevation. The known elevation for the event is 2712m (8900ft).
The race features a mix of Forest Service roads, challenging North Carolina singletrack, and rugged natural terrain with extreme elevation changes. Most climbing is on service roads, while singletrack tends to be downhill.
The race is described as extremely difficult and dangerous, demanding significant physical and mental fortitude due to its rugged terrain and elevation changes. It is not a typical MTB race, and some riders have retired from MTB after competing.
The race is scheduled for July 24-26, 2026. Early registration pricing ends on July 12, 2026, and general registration closes on July 23, 2026.
Yes, Aid Station #1 (Mile 21) has a cutoff time of 12:00 PM on race day.
Registration includes an event shirt (if registered by July 12), a finisher medal, sub-6, sub-8, or 8+ hour finish ribbon, an ORAMM belt buckle (upon finishing 3x, 5x, 10x, or 15x), chip timing, a post-race meal, and a post-race drink.
📍 Colorado, USA
📍 North Carolina, USA
📍 CO, USA