Mount Washington Road Race
Gorham, NH
- 7.6 Miler
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
This historic all-uphill run draws thousands of runners from across New England, throughout the U.S., and from countries as close as Canada and as far away as Kenya, to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast – 4,650 feet of vertical gain over … MORE
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Crazy weather!
You never know what to expect at the start line of this race when it comes to weather and you have to be prepared for everything. The top was windy, … MORE
You never know what to expect at the start line of this race when it comes to weather and you have to be prepared for everything. The top was windy, foggy, sleet and freezing rain. I crossed the finish line bordering on hypothermia and was able to get inside the van to warm up and then walk to the lodge to warm up. I am so proud of myself for doing this race every year I show up. The volunteers are amazing – the course is crazy hard and it is truly a mental game to get to to the top. Kudos to everyone who does this one!
The tough thing is you have to qualify or get in through the lottery. Thankful I was 3rd in my age group because they increased the team size for 50+ teams to be 5+ and we didn’t get that many in the race. I wish they would change the type of shirt they offer (the material is stiff/weird and always a man’s cut – at least the past few years). The race director has a tough job getting it all together bringing in people from all over the country because of the nature of the race. Absolutely gorgeous views when you get the sun!
Half way up! Snowfall at the top!
We love this race so much we make the 4 hour drive every year! The view is incredible from the top, but more importantly the mountain running community is truly … MORE
We love this race so much we make the 4 hour drive every year! The view is incredible from the top, but more importantly the mountain running community is truly the best – kind – supportive and connected! This year the weather gave us a challenge and the organizers restricted the course to 1/2 way. It wasn’t as epic and then we had to run down (something I hate to do — hurt my knee running down – ugh) Not their fault, but it was a bummer. The turkey dinner post race has gone downhill the past few years and the race shirt is not great either – hoping they change it soon. It has a man’s image on it running, and the feel of the material is yucky. Other than that — I still love the race and hope to keep going back!
On Top of the World!
Mt Washington Road Race 2021 My 8th time running this uphill prestigious race to the clouds. The weather was beautiful at the bottom we started out in the field. It … MORE
Mt Washington Road Race 2021
My 8th time running this uphill prestigious race to the clouds. The weather was beautiful at the bottom we started out in the field. It was warm and sunny as we gradually grew closer to the summit the winds increased to almost 50 miles an hour. It was cloudy misty and when you got to the top you couldn’t even see the top it was so cloudy and dark.
My training for this race was not what it had been in the past not to make excuses because I’m very strong and fit (because of all my indoor rowingi meters!). But this was a test for me to see what I could do without putting in that same kind of mileage. I walked and ran all the way up taking long strides when I walked to keep my pace. It was tough at the top with the winds but this race is all about grit and determination more than any other race.
The start was much different than it had been in the past. They started us two at a time so we ran by ourselves and not in a crowd which in itself was challenging. But it got me to start out slow and keep an even pace throughout.
My mantras were “dig deep” and “the faster you run the faster you are done!” I would count 5 walking steps – 25 running steps and it was a good ratio to keep me going and distracted at the same time.
I couldn’t find my bag at the top as we wandered around and took photos by the sign and hid in the shipping container 😳. When we finally connected with everybody we took a bunch of photos cheered everybody on that was continuing to finish and enjoy the rest of the day as the clouds cleared up in the blue skies opened up. It’s an amazing place Mt Washington ❤️.
My time was 1:48:01 and it put me 2nd in my age and our master team first and open team 2nd. This was the first race I have done since the pandemic and it really felt great to see everybody out there having a great time and seeing old friends too! Amongst the running royalty braving the worst weather I have faced at this race. Cheers to all that made that trek and for everyone’s success yesterday 💪🏼 #westernmassdistanceproject #mtwashingtonroadrace #wmdp #masterrunner #mtnrunning #newbalance #athleticbrewingambassador
Race Schwag: Love the fleece blanket and the super cool medal! My favorite things. The tshirt technical fabric is weird and I haven’t like the design the past few years, hopefully they will change it up again. The guy on the back of the shirt this year irritated some of my female friends. (maybe a female on the back of the female shirt?).
Definitely one of those races that is tough to get into and tough to keep qualifying and making the trip. But I love it and will continue as long as I have the opportunity. Year 8 for me – not a PR but pretty good considering my training has been on a rowing machine!
Worth the effort to run the race!
Great challenging uphill race in very beautiful surroundings! Well organized race, very challenging, fun atmosphere, great runners, and most of all...super mountain to run up!! Well worth the effort to … MORE
Great challenging uphill race in very beautiful surroundings!
Well organized race, very challenging, fun atmosphere, great runners, and most of all…super mountain to run up!!
Well worth the effort to try to get in to run, travel to race and participate!
I hope to get in next year and bring bunch of friends to run!