Announcement from the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Mt. Washington has hosted past editions of the USATF Mountain Running Championship and has been a selection race for the US Mountain Running Team. Photos by Joe Viger Photography.
THERE’S ONLY ONE HILL – This historic all-uphill run draws thousands of runners from around the globe to make the grueling climb to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast.
After cancelling in 2020, the historic 60th Northeast Delta Dental Mount Washington Road Race is planning for a weekend of racing. As COVID 19 continues to persist, the Mt. Washington Auto Road is preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. In consideration of the safety of participants, drivers, and staff, a staggered two day start has been implemented. The women’s race will be held Saturday, June 19th. The men’s race is scheduled for Sunday, June 20th. In addition to the two race days, both races will stagger starting times from 7am until 9am with chip timing to thin out the participants and maintain distance.
An open registration period is planned for the very limited number of slots available starting February 8th, at 10AM. Registrants will need to pay the $105 registration fee and agree to raise at least $100 for Coos County Family Health Services, the race beneficiary. Coos County Family Health Services provides vital health care to the rural community surrounding Mt. Washington.
Race organizers realize that the COVID 19 pandemic is unpredictable. If the race is canceled due to COVID 19, registered runners will have the option of purchasing a bypass deferral for the 2022 race, receiving a percentage refund, or donating balance of registration fee to Coos County Family Health Services. Deferral fees and refunds are determined by a tiered timeline. Runners can find more information on race logistics and contingency plans on the race website or on the race Facebook page.
Sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental, the race ascends the Mt. Washington Auto Road from Pinkham Notch, N.H., to the 6288-foot summit of Mt. Washington. In addition to the unrelenting grade, runners face the added challenge of Mt. Washington’s famously high winds, precipitation, and unpredictable temperatures.
Prizes include $1000 apiece for the first male and female finishers, smaller cash prizes for the next five men and women and the top three male and female masters (over 40), prizes for the first male and female finishers from New Hampshire, and a $5000 bonus for setting a new course record.
RELATED STORY – 2019 Mount Washington Race Sees a Record Three Winners Crest the Summit
