Kilkenny Ridge Race

Remote Mountain Trail Running in New Hampshire

The Kilkenny Ridge Race takes place in the White Mountains of Stark, New Hampshire. The event features a rugged course along the lonely spine of the Kilkenny Ridge Trail, characterized by narrow trails, thick forests, and remote valleys. This is an unmarked race; participants must navigate using GPS data on their phones or watches and by following existing trail signage.

Participants can choose from three distinct distances:

• 50 Mile: A 45-mile out-and-back course with approximately 15,000 feet of total elevation gain.
• 25 Mile: A point-to-point course covering approximately 25 miles with 7,500 feet of elevation gain.
• 25K: A course of approximately 15.3 miles with 4,048 feet of elevation gain.

Due to the remote wilderness and potential for extreme weather changes, all runners must carry mandatory safety gear. This includes 2 liters of water, emergency blankets, windbreakers, and water filters. The 50-mile and 25-mile distances also require headlamps with extra batteries, winter hats, and gloves.

The event has specific entry requirements to ensure participant safety. Runners for the 50 Mile must have finished a 50k trail race or a similar mountain effort within the past year. 25 Mile participants should have completed a 20-mile trail race, while 25K runners need experience in a hilly trail race of at least 10 miles.

The course features backcountry aid stations with limited supplies, as items must be hiked into the locations. Parking is located at the South Pond Recreational Area, where shuttles are provided for the point-to-point distances. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.