Kismet Cliff Run

Kismet Cliff Run

Kismet Cliff Run is a mountain running event held each September in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, based at Echo Lake State Park and associated with Mount Sunapee Resort. The event is part of the Merrell Skyrunner USA Series and has hosted the US Classic Mountain Running Championships in 2023, 2025 and 2026.

Distances offered

• Beast of the East: Half marathon adding a loop over North Moat Mountain and Red Ridge.
• Little Beast: Five-mile course across Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges.

The Little Beast route uses rolling double track that quickly becomes steep, technical single track, with two significant ascents and granite-lined descents around Echo Lake. The Beast of the East follows the Little Beast course and then climbs roughly 2,000 feet to run exposed granite ridges on North Moat Mountain, accumulating over 4,300 feet of vertical gain overall.

Logistics note the race starts at Echo Lake State Park in Conway, NH. Aid stations are located at approximately 2.1 miles and 4.1 miles, with a water only stop near mile 9.9. Trekking poles are allowed only for half marathon participants and may not be used until after the second aid station. There are no official course cutoff times; the route traverses remote terrain and participants should plan accordingly.

Entry fees listed by the organizer are $89 for the half marathon and $69 for the five mile race. The organizer recommends carrying hydration, food, basic medical supplies, a phone, and weather protection. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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