The Relentlessly Steep Manitou Incline
A closer look at one of the world's steepest trails.
Situated near the base of Pikes Peak in Manitou Springs, Colo., the Manitou Incline rises more than 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile. It’s a relentless test for any runner—as steep as 68 percent in some places—but that’s why runners from near and far have been running it for years. Once the site of an old tourist railway, it climbs more than 2,000 vertical feet in less than a mile. Elite mountain runner Joe Gray has run the fastest known time (FKT) on the Incline (17:45) (although other unverified and unsubstantiated faster times have been reported), while Ali McLaughlin, a member of the 2014 U.S. Mountain Running Team, owns the fastest women’s time (20:07). Recently repaired and re-opened, the Incline is a true test of one’s fitness and leg strength. We documented Andy Wacker’s recent attempt to break the record with a group of Colorado Springs runners, including Peter Maksimow, Alex Nichols, Zach Miller, Brandon Stapanowich, Brent Bailey and McLaughlin.
RELATED: Video: The Allure of the Manitou Incline
