Running The Trails Since 1975
The epicenter of New England trail running.
The epicenter of New England trail running.
Set throughout the iconic White Mountain, Marathon Sports puts on a number of races that cater to every level of trail running enthusiasts. Whether you are looking to run a rugged 9.3 mile race like the Sunapee Scramble, a 75 mile three day race like the Ragged 75, or a simple 5 miler like Dixon’s Revenge there are options for everyone.
Serving as the 2026 USATF Mountain Running Championship course, as well as the 2026 Collegiate Mountain Running National Championship, this tough 9.3-mile race will force participants to climb over 3,300 feet. On the first lap, you will head 2.3 miles up the service road, then trail with 1500 feet of ascent to the summit of Mount Sunapee. The descent will be a fast 1.75 miles down. In the second lap, you will race up Mount Sunapee for 3.5 miles with about 1800 feet of elevation gain. The second lap will start at the base of the mountain, and then follow a service road until you join the Newbury Trail. You will then have the same 1.75-mile speedy descent down Mount Sunapee back to the Base Lodge.
Widely considered the New England Trail Running series’ most difficult event, the Loon Mountain Race in Lincoln, New Hampshire, packs a whopping 2,200+-vertical gain in just 6.6 miles. Racers literally run up a mountain—the average grade is 10 percent, with some sections as steep as 40 percent. The trail winds up the ski resort’s runs, including the black-diamond pitch Upper Walking Boss, before finishing at the top gondola station on Loon Peak.
The Ragged 75 Stage Race is a challenging 75-mile race with approximately 15,500 feet of elevation gain that includes very technical single-track, steep climbs & descents, double track, fire roads, dirt/gravel roads & pavement. Generous cut-offs and a very supportive family environment help determined hikers to make it through successfully. For the 3-day stage race, Competitors will complete a point-to-point trail of approximately 24 miles in Stage 1 (summiting Mt. Ragged & Mt. Kearsarge), 23 miles in Stage 2 (summiting Mt. Sunapee), and 33 miles in Stage 3. A 50k race has also been recently added for Sunday.
The Kismet Cliff Run takes place every September amidst the rugged beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Choose either the Little Beast 5 Miler or the Beast of the East Half-Marathon. The Little Beast is a five-mile race that navigates the roller coaster trails of Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges. The Beast of the East Half-Marathon takes the Little Beast Course and adds a stupendous loop over North Moat Mountain via the incredible granite Red Ridge. Featuring over 4,300 feet of elevation, this course will challenge you on both ascents and descents.
This course is one of the most technical and scenic courses possible in a location that was once brimming with fire… yes … ’Pawtuck’ was once a volcanic site. We think the race’s namesake – the Roman God of Fire – would be proud of a course that will have you traversing a massive boulder field, tearing through dense forest, hammering down single-track switchbacks, jumping streams, crossing bridges, and heading up a rocky slope appropriately named the Devil’s Staircase.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the White Mountains in North Conway, the Cranmore Mountain Race is a classic mountain running event that pushes your legs and rewards your grit. This mountain footrace winds up and down the slopes of Cranmore Mountain, offering hard-earned views and a rewarding descent back to the base. As part of the historic USATF-New England Mountain Running Circuit, it attracts dedicated trail runners from across the region.
Samuel Dixon gets his revenge in May – we are bringing the party to Rollinsford once again! Come join us on the banks of the Salmon Falls River for a trail running festival. There will be a 5 Miler, 5K, and Canicross 5K trail race. The 5 Miler is a 1 Loop course which has some fast rail trail, some open fields, and some single track. The 5K and the Canicross 5k is a loop and will feature some fast rail trail and some great single track along the Salmon Falls River.
Hosted by Marathon Sports, a brand built by runners and rooted in off-road culture, Dirt Camp centers on meaningful miles, practical learning, and genuine connection with runners who prefer dirt to pavement.
Whether you’re new to trail running or experienced on technical terrain, the weekend is designed to support your growth and sharpen your skills.
The Experience
Performance & Learning
Recovery & Restoration
Free Gear
What our field trip tickets include:
This is your low-stakes opportunity to try out trail running or have an outdoor venture where you don’t have to worry about the logistics!
Find out more and register for our next event at Mount Watatic in Ashburnham, MA below.