Hill Climb fans avoid rain for most of Sunday’s race

Fans treated to sunny weather for much of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb were unhappy to see a late afternoon storm dampen the close of the event.

In past years, weather affected the event earlier in the day but Sunday’s bad weather held off until the race was almost over.

Organizers barely got the last two cars on the course and many fans left before seeing the traditional parade of race vehicles down the mountain.

Dark clouds, followed by hail, rain and snow, led organizers to shorten an exhibition race featuring a disabled man driving a special car.

The wet pavement would have made further racing activities unsafe, organizers said.

Despite the early sunny weather, spectators at one popular gathering place — 16 Mile — said they were surprised to see fewer fans there this year.

However, many fans said they came for the first time this year to help celebrate the race’s 100th anniversary.