For 24 unforgettable hours, the White Mountains stepped back in time as prehistoric creatures, fearless endurance athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts took over Great Glen Trails for another successful running of the 24 Hours of Great Glen, sponsored by Big Day Brewing Company.
 
Now in its 26th year, and presented by Mountain Sports Lab and Specialized Bikes, the marquee endurance event of the region had 463 riders toe the starting line. Riders and teams traveled from 20 states and as far away as Arizona, Montana, and Wyoming, along with one crew from Canada — proof that Great Glen's reputation reaches well beyond New England.
 
“The spirit of racing is alive and well here at Great Glen,” said race director Nate Harvey. “Most participants plan their summer around this bike festival and are always treated to incredible trails, weather, games, and high-energy racing.”
 
Riders register for either the 12-hour or 24-hour division, with options for individuals or teams of two, four, and five, and categories for female, male, and junior racers. Participants vie for podium position by completing the most laps in the shortest amount of time.
 
The course, annually modified by Steve Vosburgh, is a 9.3-mile loop winding through the carriage roads, doubletrack, bridges, and technical singletrack at Great Glen Trails. This year, a new section of trail dubbed “Rock Sandwich” was a particular challenge for riders, along with the infamous floating bridge.
 
But as always, the event proved that the Big Day 24 Hours of Great Glen is about far more than racing. It's about friends cheering each other on at 2:00 a.m., volunteers keeping spirits high, families celebrating together, and a shared love of the outdoors.
 
The full weekend starts on Friday, as competitors and support crews roll in throughout the day, transforming the fields at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road into a gigantic campground.
 
The “Pinkham B Band,” a local 7-piece band from Randolph, NH, kicked off the party Friday evening as participants picked up their race bibs and swag while Big Day Brewing was on site pouring libations.
 
As has been tradition throughout its history, the signal cannon marked the start of the race at exactly noon on Saturday, following the national anthem sung by Reklis vocalist Becca Deschenes. The first lap involves a Le Mans start, with participants running around Glen Pond to thin the pack before hitting the tight trail network.
 
While the main event takes center stage, side events ensure everyone has fun at the family-friendly festival. Specialized Bikes donated three brand-new kids' bikes for the “24 Minutes of Great Glen,” a race for young riders on strider bikes up to age 12. All young participants were treated to dino-themed prizes sponsored by Zeb's General Store.
 
Food trucks Tin Can Co, Cheese Louise, Griddle Kings, and Annie's Vintage Brew kept participants, spectators, and support crews fed and caffeinated all weekend. Pro Tune Bike and Ski Service, based in Glen, NH, set up a mobile shop and offered round-the-clock neutral support for bike repairs.

“I've been coming back every year because it never feels like just a race — it feels like a reunion,” said one racer. “You watch kids who started on strider bikes grow up racing alongside their parents. There's nothing else like it.”
 
“Fortunately, I've been here so long (30 years or so) that I've seen generations of families ‘cycle’ through this race,” added Harvey. “We've got moms and dads on the podium standing next to their sons and daughters. There are dozens of youth competing alongside adults who started here in our 24 Minutes of Great Glen kids race (ages 1–12). It's incredible to hear the stories of how they got here and what they've accomplished.”
 
Veteran team “24 to 50 Feral HoGGs In My Yard” took the top team spot with 28 laps and a time of 24 hours 21:02. This team, or a variation of it, has raced the 24 Hour for many years running. Teammate Colin Reuter even helped develop the code for the timing displays alongside master timer Ed Despard of Bullitt Timing.
 
Hot on their tails were the “Day Drinkers” — a group of young men no older than 18 who attested that they drink water during the day — with a time of 24 hours 38:57 and 27 laps. Youth riders were featured throughout the field and on the podium. Both Kennett High School and Fryeburg Academy had teams at the event, which drew locals out to spectate, crew, and participate.
 
But in the solo categories, it seems a few additional years of experience make the difference. In both the female and male divisions, the 41+ solo racers outpaced the under-41 field. Jessica Nankman once again took the top female spot in the solo 41+ category, representing Saucon Valley Bikes/Liv Cycling of Hellertown, PA, with 15 laps and a time of 24 hours 07:11. Gregory Jancaitis topped the solo 41+ male category with 20 laps and a time of 23 hours 13:59.
 
Great Glen Trails staff would like to thank the incredible volunteers who make this event possible, as well as all the sponsors: HEB Engineers, Pepsi/Varsity Beverage, Settlers Crossing, New England Youth Cycling, Clark Brothers Racing, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 7iDP, Julbo, Yakima, White Mountain Sauna Håus, Kona Bicycles, Moat Mountain Smokehouse and Brewery, Zeb's Country Store, and Jocko Fuel.
 
Race director Nate Harvey says he's already started planning for 2027, and it's going to be another one for the books.
 
For full results by Bullitt Timing, visit the race website: www.greatglentrails.com/24-hours/
 
Photos of the weekend can be found and purchased on official race photographer Joe Viger's website: https://www.jvsportsphoto.com/f498101076

Contact: 

Nate Harvey
Event Director
nate@mt-washington.com
(603) 466-2333