PPA - spectator options to get up to finish and back down

[Jeff Boehlert]

Hello: First timer coming in from out of town. I'll be running the race and looking at what options my wife has to get to the top for the finish and back down?

COG an option? Any tips or experience ?

Thanx
Jeff Boehlert
Raleigh NC

[hillclimber]

There's spectator information in the Race Info > Course Info section of the main website.  Her best bet would be to drive up to Devil's Playground and take the shuttle to the top.  You would be able to ride back down with her.  She could to the COG, but that is risky as she would have to buy a ticket for a specific time and would only be at the top for 30-45 minutes and then have to ride the same train back down, so she may miss you.

[Jeff Boehlert]

thank you hillclimber - just looking to reinforce what is there and see if there are any other insider tips - i.e. didn't know if COG may do something special that day. Thanx Jeff

[Lilmc]

This is my first time as well, but my husband did it last year and we're planning on using the same formula this year, too. See the racers off at the start, grab breakfast in town, head up in the car (print the coupon off to save a little money for the Pikes Peak highway toll), and wait at the top. It's great to watch the finishers and yell support even if it's a bit before you're up, then ride in your car back down. The shuttles to the top from the parking lot are very efficient.

[FlyGirl]

Her best bet is definitely to drive up Devil's Playground and take the shuttle to the summit. My husband was out of town, but our dear friend did this last year.  It was nice to have someone there waiting, and the ride down was quite enjoyable!

It's also a great idea to print off the coupon.

[Stephen Peterson]

...also, you don't have to print off the coupon.  You can just show them the coupon on your cell phone.  I do this when I drive up to summit to train.

[Colorado_Joni]

So, if a spectator were to buy a one-way cog ticket would they be able to get back to Manitou on the shuttle?

Thanks in advance...newbie here!

[John Garner]

No. The shuttle is for runners, race officials, and volunteers before/after their shifts.

That said, you may be able to hitch a ride off of the top with some of the tourists.

[Colorado_Joni]

So, the shuttles that take spectators from the Devil's Playground parking to and from the summit, aren't the same shuttles that take the runners back down?

Thanks for clarifying John. I appreciate it.

[John Garner]

There are two sets of shuttles with two separate lines at the summit; one marked Manitou, the other marked Devil's Playground.

One will take spectators to and from devil's playground. These vans just make a loop from the summit to devil's playground (13,000ft) and then right back again. 

The other set of shuttles make a loop between the summit and Glen Cove (11,000ft), at which time the runners / volunteers / race officials will transfer over to a bus to complete the trip down to Manitou (6,300ft). These shuttles do not stop at devil's playground.  There is a large pavilion setup at Glen Cove with seats, refreshments, etc for the runners as they wait for the next bus to arrive.

[Colorado_Joni]

Awesome. Very detailed. Thanks again!

[tjl]

Great info here, thanks! Could I get more info about the coupon?

Thx

[jemahon]

http://pikespeak.us.com/Essentials/hours-and-fees.html

Click on "Get a coupon for $2 off the entrance fee."

Scroll down to "Pikes Peak America’s Mountain"  and Click "View"

[tjl]

Thanks again. So excited!!!!! This week is going to draaaaag!