MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. — Over 900 runners registered for the Pikes Peak Marathon, determined to test their limits against one of Colorado's most challenging races.

Quiet anticipation built as spectators lined up, cheering on athletes whose tired legs approached the finish line after tackling the unforgiving mountain.

"It gets me out with excitement, not just out for a day. I love it, I absolutely love it," said Mike Mills, a long-time marathon supporter.

Racers came in to cheers, some celebratory, others showing clear signs of battle against the mountain's demanding terrain.

"You have to experience tackling that mountain because it's real, it's so real," said Sarah Winn Marathon Volunteer.

For exhausted athletes, instant recovery awaited with volunteers on standby providing water and

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