Nelson Top Female at Pikes Peak Marathon

Vasque Trail Team athlete,Keri Nelson, took first place in the women’s category this weekend at the infamous Pikes Peak Marathon. Her win comes only a day after taking fourth in the Pikes Peak Ascent. The Marathon is a difficult out and back event with 7,815ft elevation gain and average grade of 11% before descending back to the starting line. The Ascent 13.2 mile race travels the same uphill portion reaching 14,050ft at the finish. This is Nelson’s second 1st place finish at the event, winning the marathon in 2008. 

Nelson was eager to participate in both events, especially upon hearing the Ascent is the World Mountain Running Challenge. “The Ascent took me by surprise this year,” said Nelson, “but I was able to go from 13th female to fourth by the finish and gave it everything I had!” 

After spending all her energy on finishing Saturday, Nelson was not looking forward to the marathon the next day. As soon as the gun shot at the starting line on Sunday, things changed quickly though and Nelson knew she had it in her to win. “I felt amazing, relaxed and smooth,” said Nelson. “At the turn around, I knew that the win was mine.” She finished in 4:34, five minutes off her personal record. 

To top off her day, Nelson met Arlene Peipper, the first lady to finish a marathon at the Pikes Peak Marathon in 1959. “Arlene is an inspiration to us all,” said Nelson, “and I was so honored to meet her. 

About Vasque

Vasque footwear, a family-owned company rich in heritage and deeply rooted in the outdoor community, understands the outdoors is a state of mind and specializes in creating trail ready footwear for trail ready lives. For more than 45 years, their focus has been thoughtfully designed and carefully built performance footwear to take the next generation of trail users wherever the trail goes. Vasque focuses on fit and world-class performance as the core pillars in every backpacking, hiking, trail running, multisport, and kids shoe they produce. Vasque’s authentic footwear withstands harsh conditions, rugged wear and the tests of time. www.vasque.com