Race the Cog
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Event details
Race The Cog takes place on June 20, 2026, at the Mount Washington Cog Railway in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The event offers two options: a Summit Climb and the Devil's Shingle Roundtripper. The Summit Climb entry includes a roundtrip Cog train ticket back to the base after finishing; runners receive a bracelet as the train ticket. The event is part of the Delta Dental Mountain Challenge and includes prize money for anyone who beats the elite wave train. Time limits are posted for each option.
Course and logistics
Distances:
- 2.75 miles (Summit Climb)
- 5.5 miles (Devil's Shingle Roundtripper)
The course follows the Cog Railway tracks from the Marshfield base station to the summit of Mount Washington, gaining about 3,500 feet and reaching a maximum elevation of 6,266 feet. Terrain starts on dirt and gravel, becomes steep approaching Jacobs Ladder (about a 37% grade), and continues through large boulder fields in the Presidential Range. Aid stations are located at the start, Waumbek (0.9 miles), and the summit; supplies include water, sports drink, sodas, snacks, and fresh fruit. The event is cupless; participants must bring their own hydration system. No crew or pacers are allowed on course. Recommended items include 1 liter of fluids, 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency foil blanket. Refund and deferral rules apply for withdrawals within defined windows. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
