How to Train for Mount Marathon

Mount Marathon is barely a 5K in distance, but it's one of the toughest races anywhere. If you've landed a coveted bib, here's how people prepare.

Train the climb

There's no substitute for steep vertical. Hill repeats, stair climbs, and time on actual mountains build the engine you'll need to grind up 3,022 feet.

Respect the descent

The downhill is where the race is won — and where people get hurt. Practice fast, controlled descending on scree and loose terrain; quads and ankles take a beating.

Know the mountain

If you can, scout the route beforehand. Knowing the lines on the climb and the descent matters as much as fitness on this course.

Plan with our Mount Marathon guide, and see how to enter and the history & records.