Glenn Randall, 23, of Mesa, Colo., threw traditional race strategy to the wind in the 2010 Pikes Peak Ascent. Randall sprinted from the starting line and never looked back on his way to winning in 2:09:28, the second fastest time in 25 years.
Pikes Peak veterans swear that a slow start is the key to better running high above timberline. Randall never seemed to slow down. Pikes Peak Marathon, Inc., President and race director Ron Ilgen said he took a chance when he granted Randall a comp entry. "He is only one of two people I allowed in the race who, at the time, didn’t have any running credentials," Ilgen said. "He was a top college level cross-country ski racer and I know those guys are very fit. So I took a chance with his competitive entry and it paid off, starting his career as a mountain runner."