Kismet Cliff Run

Kismet Cliff Run

Kismet Cliff Run is a September mountain trail event held at Echo Lake State Park near North Conway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The event offers two distances:

• Little Beast : 5 miles
• Beast of the East : half marathon

The Little Beast follows Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges, beginning on twisting double track that becomes steep, technical single track with two significant ascents and technical descents over Conway granite. The course runs through Echo Lake State Park and mountain ledge terrain.

The Beast of the East uses the Little Beast course plus a loop over North Moat Mountain and the granite Red Ridge. The half marathon includes about 2,000 feet of climbing on the loop and totals over 4,300 feet of vertical gain. Large exposed sections make the route vulnerable to inclement weather.

Logistics notes provided for participants include the locations of aid and water stations: Aid Station 1 at 2.1 miles (the only aid station for the 5 mile race), Aid Station 2 at 4.1 miles, and a water only station at mile 9.9. There are no official cutoff times reported. Trekking poles are permitted only for half marathon runners and must not be used until after the second aid station at 4.1 miles. Organizers advise carrying a hydration vest, food or salt tabs, a small medical kit, a cell phone, and a rain or wind jacket. Dogs are not allowed at the state park.

The race is listed as part of the SKYRUNNER USA Series. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.