Race the Cog
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Race The Cog - Mount Washington
Race The Cog is an uphill mountain footrace that starts at the Mount Washington Cog Railway base station in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire and finishes on the summit of Mount Washington alongside the Cog. Two course options are offered:
- 2.75 miles
- 5.5 miles
The route follows a path alongside the railway tracks. The surface begins on dirt and gravel and becomes progressively steeper approaching Jacobs Ladder, a section noted at about a 37% grade. Above Jacobs Ladder the course crosses large boulder fields in the Presidential Range, a technically rocky area. The total elevation gain listed is approximately 3,500 feet with a maximum elevation near 6,266 feet.
Mountain weather varies significantly between the base and the summit; temperatures at the base can reach the 70s while the summit may see snow and strong winds. Aid stations are placed along the route, including a Waumbek aid near 0.9 miles and a summit aid at about 1.85 miles on the shorter climb. Organizers list no mandatory gear but recommend carrying roughly 1 liter of fluids, 200 calories, a windbreaker or rain shell, and an emergency foil blanket. No qualifications are required to enter. Crew and pacers are not allowed on course; spectators may book Cog Railway tickets to view runners from the train. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
