Race The Cog

Race the infamous Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit of the Northeast's highest peak. Saturday, June 20, 2026, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. Two options: Summit Climb (2.75 miles, 3,500 ft gain, cog train ride down) or Devil's Shingle Roundtripper (5.5 miles up and down, no train). Extreme weather — 70°F at the base, snow at the summit. $1,000 prize from Delta Dental for anyone who beats the elite wave train. Part of the Delta Dental Mountain Challenge (six New England races). Cupless event — bring your own bottle or cup.

The Course:

• Start at Marshfield Base Station, Bretton Woods, NH
• Follows the Cog Railway tracks the entire way — dirt/gravel at first, then steeper and rockier approaching Jacob's Ladder
• Large boulder fields make the Presidential Range one of the most technical areas in the country
• Finish on the summit of Mount Washington (6,288 ft) alongside the Cog
• Incredible views of the entire Presidential Range from both sides of the course
• Roundtripper runners turn at the summit and descend the same course back to the base

Weather & Preparedness:

• Extreme weather — temperatures can be 70°F at the base and snowing at the summit
• Winds can be intense (Mount Washington holds the world record for surface wind speed: 231 mph)
• Be prepared for anything — bring layers, gloves, hat, and wind/rain jacket
• No participant gear or bags transported to the summit (hiker pack room available at the summit building)

What's Included (Summit Climb):

• Cog train ride from the summit back down to base (bracelet = ticket)
• Access to the Mount Washington Observatory on the summit while waiting for the train
• Post‑race meal from Tin Can Co Food Truck
• Post‑race ice cream from Papa Beans Ice Cream
• Live music at the base station
• Aid stations at Waumbek Station (0.9 miles) and the Summit (2.75 miles): water, Tailwind, Coca Cola, Ginger Ale, Mountain Dew, cookies, trail mix, chips, pretzels, fruit snacks, fresh fruit (watermelon, oranges, bananas)
• Cupless event — bring your own hydration system (bottle, cup, vest). Reusable cups available for purchase via "Store" tab.

What's Included (Roundtripper):

• Same as above, but no cog train ride (you run down)
• Summit aid station access, post‑race meal, ice cream, music

Prize Money — Delta Dental Mountain Challenge:

• $1,000 to anyone who beats the elite wave train (race the Cog and beat the train's time?) — check event page for exact rules
• Series: Six races around New England + one virtual climbing challenge
• Top 10 men and women in the series receive cash awards

Spectator Tickets:

• Friends and family can ride the Cog Railway to the summit and cheer from the train windows
• Tickets purchased separately through Mount Washington Cog Railway

Refunds & Deferrals:

• Withdraw between 30 days and 5 days before event → 50% credit toward next year's race
• Within 5 days of event → no credit
• Full withdrawal policy on race website

Volunteers:

• Earn race credits toward any future Aravaipa event
• Register for shifts via the "Volunteer" link

Logistics:

• Parking at Marshfield Base Station (arrive early — limited spaces)
• No drop bags — carry everything you need
• No dogs allowed
• Strollers not permitted
• Wheelchair accessibility not possible on this terrain

Top Performances (Summit Climb):

• Johen Deleon — 1:05:25 (2025) — course record
• Walter Muhonen — 1:09:34 (2025)