Race The Cog

Race The Cog - June 20, 2026

Race the Cog is a unique footrace held in Bretton Woods, NH, where participants race up the Mount Washington Cog Railway tracks to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. This challenging course is approximately 2.75 miles long with a total climb of 3,500 feet, becoming increasingly steep and rocky as it approaches the summit.

Event Options:

• Summit Climb: Race to the summit and take the Cog train back down.
• Devil's Shingle Roundtripper: Race to the summit and then run back down the mountain on foot (5.5 miles total).

Course Details:

• Starts at Marshfield Base station.
• Follows the Cog Railway tracks.
• Terrain: Dirt/gravel, becoming steeper and rockier, with boulder fields.
• Extreme weather conditions are possible.

Aid Stations: Available at Waumbek Station (0.9 miles) and the Summit (2.75 miles) offering water, Tailwind, Coca Cola, Ginger Ale, Mountain Dew, snacks, and fresh fruit. The event is cupless; participants must bring their own hydration system.

Prize Money: Delta Dental is offering $1,000 to anyone who beats the elite wave train and cash awards for top performers in the Delta Dental Mountain Challenge series.

Spectator Information: Friends and family can purchase Cog train tickets to ride to the summit and spectate.

Refunds & Deferrals: Partial credit towards next year's race is available for withdrawals made between 30 days and 5 days before the event.

Volunteering: Opportunities are available, and volunteers earn race credits toward future Aravaipa events.