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Course layout
The starting point for each mountain location will vary. Each race is designed to last approximately one to one and a half hours. Races may begin at the base of the mountain or include a short warm-up hike to the starting line. Regardless of location, every Absolute Mountain race follows the same core format. Participants will run uphill while encountering workout stations spaced every few hundred meters. Course setup may vary by location, with all weights determined by gender.
00
StrengthErg | 2 minute max effort
01
Over the Shoulder Med Ball Toss | 30 Reps
02
SkiErg | 700m
03
Weighted Lunges | 70m
04
RowErg | 700m
05
Uphill Backwards Run | 100m
06
Suitcase Carry | 150m
07
BikeErg | 1200m
Weights & Distances
In the Women’s and Men’s Absolute Division, athletes will wear a weight vest for the entire race, including all workout stations. Men will wear a 20 lbs vest and women will wear a 12 lbs vest. The only exception is the StrengthErg, which is completed pre-race and without a weight vest.
Title | Standard Women's | Standard Men's |
|---|---|---|
StrengthErg (Chest Press) | Max effort, 2 minutes | Max effort, 2 minutes |
Over the Shoulder Medicine Ball | 40 lbs | 30 Reps | 80 lbs | 30 Reps |
SkiErg | 700 m | 700 m |
Weighted Lunges | 20 lbs | 70m | 60 lbs | 70 m |
RowErg | 700 m | 700 m |
Suitcase Carry
| 26 lbs | 150 m | 45 lbs | 150 m |
BikeErg | 1200 m | 1200 m |
Sandbag Drag (Absolute Beach Only) | 40 lbs | 150 m | 80 lbs | 150 m |
Uphill Backwards Run (Absolute Mountain Only) | 100 m | 100 m |
Race Details
Location
TBA - Vermont
Dates
Summer 2026
Elevation Gain
2,500 - 3,000 ft.
Total Race Distance
~ 6.0 Kilometers
Primary Airport
Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Average Temps
High 77 F | Low 57 F
Optional Qualifications
In your profile tab, you’ll be able to upload photos or screenshots of your verified times from your GPS watch, fitness tracker, phone app, or equipment screen. All qualification times must be uploaded no later than 31 days prior to your race day. This allows our team to verify results and finalize start groups for the event.
If you choose not to upload your times, that’s totally fine. You’ll simply start with the undesignated group on race day.
Just show up, race with purpose, and give it everything you’ve got.
Absolute Unit Division
For those of you here to compete at a high level and chase the toughest challenge, the Absolute Division is designed to push you to your absolute limit. But before you can race in it, you’ll need to prove to the Absolute Mountain staff that you can safely complete the course.
The qualification score ensures that everyone competes among others at a similar fitness level, keeping the race fair, smooth, and fast for all divisions.
Whether you’re in the Standard or Absolute Division, the goal is the same: run clean, race hard, and push to the summit for a purpose.
Divisions
Standard Division
This division has it all. Whether this is your first time doing a fitness race like this, or if you are highly competitive, this division is for you. This is the default division that every signed up participant will start in. To move to the next division, participants will need to specify on their sign up roster if they want to be in the “Absolute” division.
Absolute Division
Competitors wishing to compete in the Absolute Division must update their profile and meet the minimum qualification score no later than 31 days prior to the event. The Absolute Mountain team sets the qualification score standards, which may vary depending on how challenging the team anticipates the race environment to be.
The Absolute Division qualification minimum score is designed to be a very achievable number, so athletes should feel confident in their ability to meet the required score. Applicants who are accepted will be notified and officially entered into the Absolute Division. Applicants who are not accepted will be notified by 26 days prior to the race event and will compete in the Standard Division if unsuccessful.
If an applicant has not received notification of acceptance or non-acceptance by 25 days prior to the race, they should contact customer service at customerservice@absolutemountain.com
Competitors must update their profile and meet the qualification requirements at least 31 days prior to the event. Successful applicants will be notified and officially entered into the Absolute Division.
