Race the Cog

Event Summary

Race the Cog is a running event that takes place on the Mount Washington Cog Railway path in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The event offers two distances: a 2.75 mile summit climb and a 5.5 mile round trip called the Devil's Shingle Round-tripper.

Course Details

The course follows a path alongside the historic Cog Railway tracks to the summit of Mount Washington. The surface begins on dirt and gravel and becomes steeper, culminating in a section called Jacob's Ladder with approximately a 37% grade. The upper section features large boulder fields typical of the Presidential Range. Weather conditions are known to be extreme, with potential for significant temperature changes and high winds between the base and the 6,266-foot summit.

The shorter event finishes at the summit, and the registration fee includes a Cog train ticket back to the start. The longer Devil's Shingle event requires runners to turn around at the summit and run back down the same route to the start line.

Race Day Information

The event takes place in June. There are three separate start waves categorized as Elite, Intermediate, and Chill. A time limit of 3.5 hours applies to the summit climb, and a 6-hour limit applies to the round trip. Bib pickup is available on race morning at the Cog Railway base station.

Aid stations are provided along the course. While no mandatory gear is required, organizers recommend carrying water, calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency blanket. Crews and pacers are not allowed on the course. Spectators can purchase tickets to ride the Cog Railway alongside the race course or drive the Mount Washington Auto Road to the summit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.