Race the Cog

Race the Cog : Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Race the Cog is a mountain footrace organized by Aravaipa Running in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The event was postponed from June 27, 2026 to September 13, 2026. It follows the Mount Washington Cog Railway route and finishes on the summit of Mount Washington.

Course and options

• Approximately 2.75 miles to the summit.
• 5.5 miles for the Roundtripper option, which includes the summit and the run back to the base.

The summit climb begins at the Marshfield Base station and follows the railway tracks. Total climbing is about 3,500 feet, with more than 1,000 feet of climbing per mile. The surface starts on dirt and gravel, becomes steeper and rockier near Jacobs Ladder, and includes large boulder fields on the Presidential Range. Weather can vary widely between the base and summit; participants should be prepared for strong winds and rapid temperature changes.

Logistics

Summit Climb entries include a Cog train ride down from the summit; finishers receive a bracelet as a ticket. Trains run hourly and have a one hour layover on the summit. No participant gear or bags will be transported to the summit. Aid stations are at Waumbek Station (0.9 miles) and the Summit (2.75 miles) offering water, electrolyte drinks, sodas, snacks, and fresh fruit. The event is cupless; participants must carry their own hydration vessels.

Additional details

Delta Dental offers a $1,000 prize to anyone who beats the elite wave train. Race the Cog is part of the Delta Dental Mountain Challenge series. After the race, finishers receive food and ice cream tickets for vendors at the base station. Spectator train tickets can be purchased through the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Refunds follow the event withdrawal policy with partial credit between 30 and more than 5 days before the event and no credit within 5 days. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.