Race the Cog
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Race The Cog
Race The Cog is a mountain footrace held on September 13, 2026, at the Mount Washington Cog Railway base in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The event offers two course options that follow the path alongside the Cog Railway tracks to the summit of Mount Washington.
- 2.75 Miles (Summit Climb; summit finish with Cog train return included)
- 5.5 Miles (Devil's Shingle Roundtripper; summit checkpoint then return to the start)
The route begins on dirt and gravel, becomes steeper approaching Jacob's Ladder (about a 37 percent grade), and crosses large boulder fields in the Presidential Range before finishing at the summit near the Cog Railway. Total elevation gain is approximately 3,500 feet and maximum elevation is 6,266 feet. Mountain weather can vary widely over short distances, with temperatures near 70 degrees at the base and possible snow and strong winds at the summit. Aid stations for the climb include the start, Waumbek Aid at 0.9 miles, and the summit finish at 1.85 miles; the roundtrip course repeats these stations on the return.
The race does not require prior qualifications. Crew and pacers are not allowed on course. Organizers provide a recommended gear list including at least 1 liter of fluids, 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency foil blanket. Distances may vary slightly each year due to permitting. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
