COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 98th running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb, slated for Aug. 30, will be held without fans event organizers announced on Thursday.
The race was originally scheduled for June 28, but was postponed to Aug. 30 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with input and advisement from state and local agencies, the Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb Board of Directors have decided to conduct the race without spectators.
“For the first time, the Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb will be staged without its loyal, enthusiastic fans lining the course and no one is more disappointed than we are,” shared Megan Leatham, Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb Executive Director. “Our staff and board of directors have discussed and analyzed multiple scenarios in which our race could be staged. However, with the government-issued long-term mandates for wearing personal protective equipment, providing appropriate social distancing, and limiting the size of group gatherings, we feel it is impossible to safely host spectators at the race on Aug. 30.”
All camping permits, practice and race day ticket purchases will automatically be refunded in full. The popular downtown street festival, Fan Fest, a kick-off event slated for Friday, Aug. 28 has also been canceled.
“For many, this is one of the highlights of the summer,” Leatham added. “It’s always exciting and packed with people. We typically welcome over 30,000 fans but in light of current government guidelines we feel it would be irresponsible to hold the event this year. The risk to our competitors, sponsors, volunteers and our fans is just too high.”
“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we all do business, we are finding ways to adapt to the new normal and will continue to monitor the federal, state and local regulations on large crowds,” said Pikes Peak Int’l Hill Climb Board Chairman Tom Osborne. “Despite this unforeseen challenge, our iconic motorsports event has proven its ability to adapt and endure, and it will continue to do so this summer, next year, and in preparation for the 100th Running in 2022.”