Kilkenny Ridge Race

Kilkenny Ridge Race : Saturday, September 19, 2026

The event takes place in Stark, New Hampshire, based at the South Pond Recreational Area in the White Mountain National Forest. Distances offered:

• 50 Mile
• 25 Mile
• 25K

Course and logistics

All courses follow the Kilkenny Ridge Trail. The main traverse is about 25 miles each way with roughly 7,500 feet of climbing per direction along ridgelines and remote mountain terrain. The route passes peaks including Mount Cabot and Mount Waumbek and other summits on the southern ridge. The 50 mile is an out-and-back from South Pond to the Jefferson Inn turnaround. The 25 mile starts at the Jefferson Inn after a shuttle from South Pond and returns to South Pond. The 25K starts near the Berlin Fish Hatchery (York Pond) and finishes at South Pond.

The course will not be marked; official signage is described as good, but runners must download the provided GPS track and study maps. Maps are available at bib pickup. Aid on course includes backcountry stations with limited food and water (for example Willard Notch and Unknown Pond) and fuller aid at the turnaround and finish. Some long stretches have no aid; a water filter is recommended.

Mandatory gear is checked at bib pickup and differs by distance (examples: water, food, windbreaker/rain shell, space blanket, winter hat, gloves; headlamp required for longer distances). The event is cupless; participants must bring their own hydration system. Parking is at South Pond; shuttles transport runners to start locations. Qualifications are required for each distance. Registration closes September 14, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.