The Pikes Peak Marathon is unique and, as a result, only right for a few runners. Therefore, In order to see if you are one of the special runners who can do this marathon, you must first take a quick questionnaire. Here are the questions. Answer the questions by circling yes or no.

(Yes/No) 1. Do you hate air?
(Yes/No) 2. Are you afraid to run on flat ground?
(Yes/No) 3. Can you walk like a zombie?
(Yes/No) 4. Does the idea of "falling out" seem okay to you?
(Yes/No) 5. Do you have a secret need to punish yourself?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you are ready to run the Pikes Peak Marathon. This challenging marathon takes runners up Pikes Peak Ascent in Manitou Springs, Colorado. It starts at 6,300 feet and ends at 14,115 feet. The average grade for a "path" is 11 percent. In other words, this marathon is more like a hike. So you might want to find a pair of running shoes that act more like hiking boots in order to take on this marathon.

The Pikes Peak Marathon is so tough that the Web site gives warnings about "exerting too much energy" and the "lack of air" to potential runners. They basically want you to know that this is not a fun run that will exhilarate you. It actually will tire you out. Yet, despite all of this, you will get something from this race you can't get from many other marathons. Can you guess what it is? BRAGGING RIGHTS!

If you run the Pikes Peak Marathon, you can brag for years - even if you come in last place. It's just one of those marathons that most people won't do because it's scary. It requires more training than the average marathon and also more stamina. So keep this in mind as you decide if it is for you. Runners who tackle Pikes Peak Marathon are one-of-a-kind.

If you want more information on Pikes Peak Marathon, go their Web site. Enter at your own risk. Also, remember, do the race and BRAG, at your own pace.