Claremont
But those who will to take on that challenge will line up for the annual Reach the Peak obstacle course on Saturday near the Arrowhead lodge. Looming above them will be the face of the short — but steep — climb.
“Challenging,” said Justin Martin, superintendent of Claremont’s recreation programs, when asked to describe this year’s course. “It is definitely the most challenging course we have had.”
Billed as Sullivan County’s “toughest race” and only adventure-obstacle course, the annual event is in its sixth year and raises money for the city’s parks and recreation department programs. It was started by the former Community Alliance of Sullivan County, but has since been taken over by the recreation department.
“The family friendly fun run and challenge course straight up the face of Arrowhead Mountain is back and better than ever,” states the city’s park and recreation website, calling this year’s event “the best and most challenging course to date for what promises to be one of the most enjoyable endurance events of the year.”
Martin said they expect at least 100 to participate, with possibly as many as 200.
Participants come from around New England, including Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with a few registrants from farther away who are in the area and want to test themselves.
The course is about 3 miles and requires the racers to conquer climbing walls, mud pits and more to reach the summit.
“We have some new obstacles this year,” said Martin, declining to go into detail so as not to spoil the surprises.
A lot of work goes into designing and constructing the course and getting everything prepared for race day. Martin said a lot of credit goes to the Stevens High School varsity and junior varsity soccer players who help with race preparations. The Charlestown town construction firm of Blanc and Bailey donates labor and material for the obstacles, which will also include a water slide.
Participants can run individually or as part of a team. Each team member will do the course and the team time is a combination of the fastest and slowest times for each team.
“Teams often stick together so they finish as one,” Martin said.
For those looking to finish among the leaders, Martin said they would need to get through all the obstacles in about 50 minutes.
There is also a kids’ race for those 12 and under with an entry fee of just $2.
“We are really trying to attract more kids this year,” Martin said.
For those not up to 3 miles, there is a condensed version of the race of one mile on the lower section of Arrowhead.
Rubber sole cleats or running shoes and spandex pants are the preferred clothing, Martin said, adding a warning to those who wear glasses.
“We have had people lose their glasses in the mud pit,” he said.
Martin said racers should look forward to having fun more than worrying about their time.
“We don’t push people to finish in a specific time,” he said.
Editor’s note: For more information and to pre-register go to www.claremontnh.com/residents/departments/parks-and-recreation/reach-the-peak.aspx
