I've done Mt Evans twice, this year and last. The first half you are in road race groups. Once you hit Echo Lake at the halfway point, guys are pretty well strung out and it is like a high altitude time trial for the final 14 miles. Study the course profile as you get some downhill breaks at Summit Lake and steep switchbacks in the final few miles. It's awesome above tree line and this year was the first to keep cars off the course above Echo Lake. After 2 or 3 hours of climbing, treat yourself to a unforgetable desent back to Idaho Springs and indulge your mountain goat ass at one of the fine local joints.