The Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent: A September Weekend That Shows What Living in Colorado Springs Is Really Like

If you've been thinking about moving to Colorado Springs and wondering what the community is really like, this weekend is a perfect window into it. On September 19 and 20, thousands of runners gather in nearby Manitou Springs for the 71st Pikes Peak Marathon and the Pikes Peak Ascent, two of the toughest and most beloved races in the country. It's a great spectacle in its own right, but it also tells you a lot about the people who call this region home.

A Big Weekend for the Pikes Peak Region

The weekend kicks off Saturday, September 19, with the Ascent, a 13.3-mile climb up the Barr Trail from Manitou Springs to the summit of Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet. Then on Sunday, September 20, the full Pikes Peak Marathon sends runners up the same trail and all the way back down, 26.2 miles of mountain running that many consider the hardest marathon in the world.

Whether you're a runner, a hiker, or someone who simply enjoys a town buzzing with energy, it's a memorable weekend. The crowds, the volunteers, and the families cheering runners on all show a side of the region you won't see from a real estate listing alone.

What This Weekend Says About Living Here

People move to the Pikes Peak region for many reasons, but the outdoor lifestyle is almost always near the top of the list. A weekend like this is a reminder that this is a community built around getting outside, supporting one another, and taking on big challenges. The trails, parks, and open spaces aren't just scenery here. They're part of how people live.

For anyone relocating, it's worth letting that shape how you choose a neighborhood. Homebuyers who want trail access and a small-town feel often gravitate toward the west side and places like Manitou Springs, where the mountains are practically in the backyard. Buyers who prefer newer master-planned communities and newer schools often lean toward the east side and the north end of town. Neither is better, they just suit different ways of living, and matching the neighborhood to your lifestyle is one of the most useful things we do with clients.

How September Shapes the Market

September also marks a natural turn in the housing market. After the busy summer, the pace settles, buyers usually have a bit more time and inventory to choose from, and well-priced homes still move at a steady clip. For sellers, that means pricing honestly from day one matters more than ever. For buyers, it means there's real room to be thoughtful rather than rushed.

So whether you're here for the race, the leaves, or the start of a new chapter, this is a lovely time of year to see what Colorado Springs has to offer. And if you'd like a real read on which neighborhoods fit the way you actually want to live, we'd love to show you around.