About 380 runners surged up the first hill in the Pikes Peak Road Runners' Fall Series II race Sunday (Oct. 16) at Bear Creek Park in Colorado Springs. Alex Nichols took the win, covering the 4.5-mile course in 28 minutes, 20 seconds. Pete Maksimow was second in 28:58, followed by Justin Ricks (30:04).
The Fall Series is famous for it's unique obstacles. Race director Larry Miller always throws in a twist or two. This race is famous - or infamous - for it's rope climb up a 60-foot embankment. And this year, Miller threw in a few hay bales to hurdle at the finish line.
Amanda Ewing won the women's race in 36:26. Regina Hammond finished second in 37:40, with Nicole Rosa (38:16) placing third.