Race the Cog
Mount Washington, United States • 20 Jun 2026
Event overview
Race The Cog takes place on June 20, 2026 in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire at the Mount Washington Cog Railway base station. The event offers two options: a summit climb and a roundtrip course that returns to the start. Total elevation gain is about 3,500 feet and maximum elevation is about 6,266 feet. The summit category has a 3.5 hour time limit; the roundtrip category has a 6 hour time limit. The race is part of the Delta Dental Mountain Challenge and includes a cash prize offer for anyone who beats the elite wave train.
- 2.75 miles (Summit Climb)
- 5.5 miles (Devil's Shingle Roundtripper)
Course and logistics
The course follows the path alongside the Cog Railway tracks from the base station to the summit of Mount Washington. Surface begins as dirt and gravel, becomes steeper approaching Jacobs Ladder (about a 37% grade), and then enters large boulder fields in the Presidential Range before finishing at the summit alongside the Cog. The Summit Climb entry includes a Cog train ticket for descent; the roundtrip option runs back down to the start.
Aid is located at Waumbek (about 0.9 miles) and at the summit (about 2.75 miles). Aid offerings include water, electrolyte drink options, soda, snacks, and fresh fruit. The event is cupless so participants must bring their own hydration container. No crew or pacers are allowed on course; spectators may ride the Cog to view and cheer. Recommended items include 1 liter of fluids, roughly 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency foil blanket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.