Manchester to Monadnock 55 Miler

Race - May 9, 2020

Dogs Unknown

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This unique point-to-point course starts from the west side of Manchester and finishes in Monandnock State Park, totaling 55 miles and 6000+ feet of elevation. The course is comprised of a 60/20/20 ratio of road/gravel/trail. The course takes you through some pleasant towns of southern New Hampshire. The last phase of the race takes you on scenic trail to summit Mt. Monadnock before descending back to Poole Reservoir.

The race begins at 4am (make sure you have headlamps to start the race). The first 7 miles on non-technical trails. From there, you'll exit the trails into a residential neighborhood.

The first aid station is at about mile 9. After this, the first big climb starts around mile 10 and lasts for ~ 1.5 miles, grades can get up to about 25%. It is not too rocky and is manageable without poles.

After a 2 mile descent, there are rolling hills until mile 20; traffic can be a little hairy here. The next aid station is at mile 20 ,and another one is located at at mile 29.

As the day heats up, mosquitoes and black flies become a nuisance. You'll be running on a long but low grade climb from mile 31 to 33. The next aid station is at mile 38 in Peterborough.

The 40 mile aid station is a TARC station and well stocked with a variety of sweet and savory foods. The 45 mile aid station marks the start of the climb to the top of Mt. Monadnock - from here it's about 1500 ft. to the top. The descent to the finish is very technical, all the more challenging with 50+ miles on the legs.