Course section
The Cliffs
0.82 – 1.02 mi · 1,450 to 2,050 ft — hands required
Distance
0.82 – 1.02 mi
Elevation
1,450 – 2,050 ft
Gain
+600 ft in 0.2 mi
Character
Technical rock scramble, hands required
The Cliffs section is where Mount Marathon earns its reputation. At 0.82 miles in, the trail hits steep rock faces that require runners to use their hands — essentially rock climbing at race pace. The technical crux of the ascent, The Cliffs separate the field decisively. Elite runners chimney up crack systems while the mid-pack scrambles, and the crowd watching from below can see the entire section unfold above them.
The technical crux
The cliff bands involve near-vertical rock faces where handholds are essential. Runners don't just run — they pull themselves up using rock features, tufts of grass, and whatever grip they can find. Falls are common in this section; most result in scrapes rather than serious injury.
Elite vs. mid-pack
Elite runners flow through The Cliffs with fluid efficiency — practiced technique built from training hundreds of reps on the mountain. Mid-pack runners often slow dramatically here as the technical demands and accumulated fatigue combine.
Watching from below
The Cliffs are one of the most dramatic spectator sections — you can see runners high on the rock face from Seward's lower mountain watching areas. Binoculars help, and the section is far enough below Race Point that multiple athletes are often visible simultaneously.
Pro tip
The Cliffs section is where the race often gets decided. Watch for athletes who manage it smoothly — they typically have a significant advantage coming out the top.
Other course sections
The Roots
0.0 – 0.6 mi · 95 to 700 ft — the mountain begins
The Gut
1.02 – 1.25 mi · 2,050 to 2,550 ft — where runners break
Race Point
1.55 mi · 3,022 ft — the turnaround at the top
The Scree Run
1.55 – 2.0 mi · 3,022 to 1,250 ft — what people remember
The Chute
2.0 – 2.25 mi · 1,250 to 600 ft — mud, water, and the final drop