Are you ready for America’s Ultimate Challenge, the 61^st Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon?

Runners from around the globe will take their starting positions in front of their computers and cell phones for the first leg of the famous event on America’s Mountain … race registration.

It all begins at noon (MST) on Saturday, March 12. The races are capped at 1,800 runners in the Pikes Peak Ascent, and 800 in the marathon, and they traditionally fill quickly, so it’s wise to be prepared.

“The big day for registration is coming up fast,” said Ron Ilgen, Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc. president. “These bucket list races, limited by entry caps set by the Forest Service, always fill fast due to their popularity and their extreme challenge.”

Race weekend is set for Aug. 20-21. Here are a few things to remember as you warm up your fingers for some fast typing.

Where to start? Registration will take place on the fusesport platform. Start by visiting the PikesPeakMarathon.org registration page. You’ll find important information there, including a link for signing up on fusesport.

Qualifying time: Because this race runs to the top of a 14,115-foot mountain where oxygen is scarce, we ask that all runners complete a qualifying event before competing. Please be ready to provide the name of your qualifying event, the year it occurred, and a link (URL) to the results page.

No qualifying time: We have an option for you. Register as a “runner without qualifications” to run in the Triple Crown of Running series, the Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run, the Summer Roundup Trail Run, and the Pikes Peak Ascent. The Garden of the Gods 10-miler will serve as your qualifier. Then, simply finish the Summer Roundup and you’ll be automatically entered in the Pikes Peak Ascent!

Doubling: Yeah, we’re talking about running the ascent on Saturday, then coming back for the marathon on Sunday. We don’t get it, but more than a few motivated souls make it happen each year. However, only Pikes Peak veterans who have completed the Pikes Peak Ascent or Pikes Peak Marathon in the past three years (2013+) may register for both. Also, there is a $50 premium for those who do both.

Starting waves: You’ll be assigned a starting wave in the Pikes Peak races based on your qualifying time. On race day, be sure you start in the correct wave. Race officials don’t look kindly on runners who start in a faster wave.

Pikes Peak Run Fest: Make plans to pick up your race packet at the Pikes Peak Run Fest at 5 p.m. Thursday, August 18, at Alamo Square adjacent to the Pioneers Museum 215 S. Tejon, downtown Colorado Springs. Music, beer, vendors. It’s a great time and it makes race day morning easier for everyone.

Training: Start today. Find a hill. Run up it … a lot. See you in August!