Race the Cog
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Race The Cog - Mount Washington, Bretton Woods, NH
Race The Cog is a mountain trail event that follows the path alongside the Mount Washington Cog Railway from the base station to the summit. The event offers two course options:
- 2.75 miles Summit Climb
- 5.5 miles Devil's Shingle Roundtripper (roundtrip)
The route begins on dirt and gravel and becomes steep approaching Jacobs Ladder, a section noted at about a 37% grade. Above Jacobs Ladder runners cross large boulder fields in the Presidential Range before finishing at the summit next to the Cog Railway. Total elevation gain for the summit route is listed as about 3,500 feet and maximum elevation near 6,266 feet.
The Summit Climb and the Roundtripper share aid stations at the start and at Waumbek (0.9 miles). The Summit finish is at about 1.85 miles; the roundtrip returns through Waumbek and finishes at the base. There are recommended items for mountain conditions: 1 liter of fluids, roughly 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency foil blanket. Mountain weather can vary widely between base and summit, including warm conditions at the base, snow at the summit, and potentially intense winds.
No qualifications are required. Crews and pacers are not allowed on course. Spectators may access the summit by train, auto-road, or hiking. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
