Did you know that the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy has a partnership with the Pikes Peak Marathon? We have been partners for over two decades! On the weekend of September 19-20, 2026, our students will give pre- and post-race massages to the amazing athletes who race up and then down “America’s Mountain” Pikes Peak. At 14,115 feet elevation, Pikes Peak is quite literally a tall order, no pun intended. The race route starts in Manitou Springs before joining the Barr Trail. Runners take the Barr Trail to the top of Pikes Peak before turning around to run back down again for a total of 26.2 miles. That’s something to celebrate! CIMT supports these amazing athletes by offering massages.

But why are pre-race massages so important? There are plenty of reasons. In additional to making the athletes feel better, massage helps support the body in a variety of ways including:

• Fascial mobility and flexibility — improves mobility and flexibility of fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles, bones, and organs.
• Fluid movement — manual techniques can encourage fluid movement through the tissues and may help manage inflammation.
• Lymphatic circulation and drainage — supports the body’s natural fluid-clearing processes.
• Blood circulation — promotes healthy circulation of the muscles and surrounding tissues.
• Mental preparation — stimulating massage can help sharpen focus and support a calm, prepared mindset before the starting line.
• Regulate emotional responses — emotions such as excitement, stress, or nervousness can create physical responses in the body, and a tailored pre-event massage can help target your energy ensuring you are focused and ready.

Good luck to all of these athletes! Training has prepared these athletes for the mountain, and massage can be one more tool to help them strengthen their bodies and mind for race day. Join CIMT and Colorado Springs in cheering on these amazing individuals.