Race the Cog
Mount Washington, United States • 20 Jun 2026
Race The Cog : Mount Washington, NH
Race The Cog is a mountain trail event at the Mount Washington Cog Railway base in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The route follows a path alongside the railway tracks and finishes on the summit of Mount Washington.
Distances:
- 2.75 miles : Summit Climb (includes a Cog train ticket back to the start)
- 5.5 miles : Devil's Shingle Round-tripper (roundtrip summit and return to the start)
The course begins on dirt and gravel and becomes progressively steeper approaching Jacobs Ladder, which is described as about a 37% grade. Above Jacobs Ladder runners pass large boulder fields in the Presidential Range, a technically demanding section. Total elevation gain for the summit option is approximately 3,500 feet with a maximum elevation near 6,266 feet.
Weather on the mountain can vary widely; temperatures at the base can reach the 70s while the summit may have snow and strong winds. Aid stations are positioned on the course (for example Waumbek Aid at 0.9 miles and a summit aid), and organizers provide recommended gear such as 1 liter of fluids, 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency blanket. No prior qualification is required to enter. Distances may vary slightly year to year due to permitting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.