Kismet Cliff Run
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Kismet Cliff Run : Echo Lake State Park, Conway, NH
The Kismet Cliff Run is a mountain trail event held each September around Echo Lake State Park in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. The weekend program includes two primary race options:
- Half Marathon (Beast of the East) following the Little Beast course plus a loop over North Moat Mountain.
- 5 Mile (Little Beast) on roller coaster trails of Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges.
The Little Beast route moves from twisting double track to steep, technical single track, with granite descents and views of Echo Lake and the White Mountains. The Beast of the East adds a climb of about 2,000 feet and over 4,300 feet of total vertical gain, with exposed sections on the granite Red Ridge and wide views toward the Presidential Range and nearby wilderness areas. The event has hosted US Classic Mountain Running Championship editions and is part of the Merrell Skyrunner USA Series. Prize money is offered.
Aid and logistics notes from the organizer: aid stations are positioned at about 2.1 and 4.1 miles, with a water only station near mile 9.9; the first aid station is the only one for 5 milers. Trekking poles are allowed only for half marathon participants and only after the second aid station. There are no official cutoff times and course removal options are limited. A GPX file and bib pickup information are provided by the organizer. Entry fees differ by distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
