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5 Brutal Truths About The Loon Mountain Race 2025: Can You Conquer The 40% Grade?

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The Loon Mountain Race 2025 is set to be one of the most challenging and iconic mountain running events in North America, scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025. This 6.03-mile (approx. 10K) uphill-only race in Lincoln, New Hampshire, is not for the faint of heart, boasting over 3,000 feet of gut-wrenching vertical gain. It’s a true test of endurance, mental fortitude, and gravity-defying climbing, and it serves as a critical component of the prestigious 2025 USATF-New England Mountain Running Circuit.

For those looking to secure their spot, online registration is already open, but be warned: this race sells out fast, and there will be absolutely no day-of registration. Prepare to face the infamous final kilometer, a section so brutal it has its own legendary nickname, which separates the elite mountain runners from the ambitious trail enthusiasts. Current date is December 24, 2025, and all key details for the 2025 event are confirmed and current.

Loon Mountain Race 2025: Essential Race Day & Registration Details

The Loon Mountain Race is a cornerstone event in the New England trail running calendar, drawing competitors from across the country due to its difficulty and high-profile status. Understanding the logistics is the first step in conquering the mountain.

  • Official Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025.
  • Location: Loon Mountain Resort, Lincoln, New Hampshire (Grafton County).
  • Distance: 6.03 Miles (Approximately 10 Kilometers).
  • Total Elevation Gain: Over 3,000 feet (914+ meters).
  • Registration Fee: $60 (No day-of registration).
  • Race Start Times: Women's Wave: 7:30 AM | Men's Wave: 8:00 AM.
  • Bib Pickup: Early pickup is available on Saturday, July 12th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Octagon Lodge.
  • USATF Status: Part of the 2025 USATF-New England Mountain Running Circuit.

The course is a challenging mix of dirt trails, service roads, and grassy ski slopes, culminating in the steepest section that has become the race's signature feature. Finishing this race earns you instant bragging rights in the mountain running community.

The Upper Walking Boss: The 40% Grade That Breaks Runners

Every runner who signs up for the Loon Mountain Race knows they are signing up to face "The Boss." The Upper Walking Boss (UWB) is the single most defining feature of this race, a notoriously steep section that has been the subject of countless race reports and training discussions.

What Makes the Upper Walking Boss So Infamous?

The UWB is not just steep; it is a relentless, soul-crushing climb that hits runners when they are already deep into oxygen debt. It is a kilometer-long section that runs straight up a black diamond ski slope.

  • The Grade: The slope reaches a dizzying grade that exceeds 40%. For context, most roads rarely exceed a 6-8% grade. This is a wall.
  • The Location: It is the final, brutal push to the finish line at the summit of Loon's North Peak.
  • The Distance: This section alone is roughly 0.4 miles and accounts for approximately 700 feet of the total vertical climb.
  • The Strategy: Running is often impossible for even elite competitors; many are reduced to a hands-on-knees power-hike or shuffle, sometimes referred to as "quadrupedal locomotion."

Conquering the Upper Walking Boss is a mental game as much as a physical one. Runners must conserve energy through the earlier stages of the 6-mile course to have anything left for this final, desperate ascent. The sheer angle of the slope makes it a spectacle for spectators and a nightmare for participants.

The Prestige: USATF-NE Circuit & Course Records

The Loon Mountain Race’s difficulty is matched only by its prestige. It is a key race in the New England Mountain Running Series and holds official USATF certification, which elevates the competition to a national level.

Part of the 2025 USATF-New England Mountain Running Circuit

The 2025 event is a vital stop on the USATF-NE Mountain Running Circuit, a series of challenging races that determine the region's top mountain runners. This status ensures a deep field of elite athletes vying for series points and prize money. The race has also previously served as the US Vertical Mountain Running Championships, further cementing its reputation as a serious, high-level competition.

A crucial rule for all USATF-sanctioned events is the prohibition of trekking poles. Runners must rely solely on their own strength, which adds another layer of difficulty to the already brutal climbs, especially the UWB.

Course Records and Elite Entrants

The race attracts some of the world's best mountain runners, including perennial champions like Joseph Gray, a dominant figure in American mountain running. Gray holds one of the fastest times on the course, demonstrating the level of speed and power required to excel on this terrain. His time of 00:49:27 is a benchmark for anyone hoping to compete for the win. Other notable names often associated with the race include Eric Blake, who has also held the course record and is a legend in the New England running scene.

The course record is a constantly discussed entity, as minor changes to the course over the years can affect official times. The current record holders demonstrate the perfect balance of technical trail running skill and sheer uphill power necessary to conquer Loon.

Training and Gear: How to Prepare for the Loon Mountain Race

Preparing for the Loon Mountain Race requires a specific training plan that focuses heavily on vertical gain and sustained effort. Simply running flat 10Ks will not suffice; you must train to climb. The key to success lies in mimicking the course's unique challenges, particularly the extended periods of steep, uphill running.

Essential Training Tips:

  • Hill Repeats: Incorporate weekly sessions of steep hill repeats, focusing on maintaining a consistent, powerful stride. Find the steepest hill possible, ideally one that allows for a hands-on-knees power hike.
  • Long Climbs: Perform long runs that include significant, sustained climbing to build the necessary muscular endurance. This is crucial for the 3,000+ feet of gain.
  • Strength Training: Focus on lower body strength, especially glutes, hamstrings, and calves, as these muscles will bear the brunt of the uphill effort.
  • Course Simulation: Practice running on technical, uneven trails and grassy slopes to prepare your ankles and feet for the varied terrain of the Loon Mountain course.

Recommended Gear:

Gear choice is critical for a race of this nature. Since trekking poles are prohibited due to the USATF status, the focus is on footwear and hydration.

  • Trail Running Shoes: Choose a shoe with aggressive lugs for maximum traction. The Upper Walking Boss is a grassy, steep slope, and a lack of grip will lead to slipping and wasted energy. Look for shoes designed for soft or muddy terrain.
  • Hydration: A hydration vest or belt is recommended. While aid stations are available, carrying your own water ensures you stay fueled and hydrated during the sustained, high-effort climb.
  • Sun Protection: The race takes place in July, and the higher elevations can expose you to intense sun. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended.

The Loon Mountain Race 2025 is more than just a race; it is a pilgrimage for New England trail runners and a bucket-list event for mountain runners worldwide. By understanding the course, respecting The Boss, and training specifically for the vertical challenge, you can hope to conquer the 6.03 miles and earn the title of a Loon Mountain finisher.

5 Brutal Truths About the Loon Mountain Race 2025: Can You Conquer the 40% Grade?
loon mountain race 2025
loon mountain race 2025

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