PHOTO: Runners in the 2010 Pikes Peak Marathon charge up Manitou Blvd. on their way to the summit of Pikes Peak ... and back.

Registration for the Fastest Typist in the West Contest, otherwise known as Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon and Triple Crown is Wednesday, March 16 .

The race has been known to fill quickly. It's a good idea to have a game plan in place.

An important qualification rule has has been changed. From the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon web site: "Only races run in the last 3 years can be used for qualifications. This applies to signing up for the Double as well. The change from 5 years to 3 years was done to slow down registration or at least keep it the same."

Cool video by marathon runner Eric Strand
Complete 2010 Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon coverage

The big day is scheduled for March 16. The registration times are:

Pikes Peak Ascent Wave 2 runners (there are 1,070 spots) register at Noon.

Pikes Peak Ascent Wave 1 Runners (there are 760 spots) register at 12:30 p.m.

Pikes Peak Marathon, (810 spots), 1 p.m.

As in past years, Pikes Peak newbies (no race qualifying times) can enter the Pikes Peak Ascent by entering the Triple Crown. Once new runners complete the Garden of the Gods Ten Mile Run, and Summer Roundup Trail Run, they'll be entered in the Pikes Peak Ascent.

Check the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon web site for all the info.