FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tyler Ray
Email: tyler@backyardconcept.org
Phone: 603-728-7739
CIRQUE SERIES BRINGS HIGH-VERTICAL MOUNTAIN RACE TO CANNON MOUNTAIN JUNE 13
National trail running series returns to New Hampshire with rugged Franconia Notch course, local outdoor brands, and festival-style finish.
Franconia, New Hampshire; May 28, 2026 — Cirque Series will return to New Hampshire on Saturday, June 13, bringing one of the country’s premier mountain running events to Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch State Park.
The Cannon Mountain race opens Cirque Series’ 2026 New England schedule, which also includes stops at Killington Resort in Vermont on June 27 and Jay Peak Resort in Vermont on September 26. The national series expects more than 5,000 runners across its 10-race tour this season, but the Cannon race will remain intentionally capped at 500 entries to preserve course quality and the mountain experience.
At Cannon, runners will take on a 6.9-mile course with 3,080 feet of vertical gain, starting and finishing at the Peabody Base Area. The course sends runners up ski trails, steep service roads, rocky ridgelines, and technical terrain before returning them to a festival-style finish with music, food, drinks, giveaways, and vendor tents.
“Cirque was built around the kind of mountain days I love most — beautiful, demanding, high-energy, and rooted in place,” said Cirque Series founder Julian Carr. “New England has the terrain, the grit, and the community to make these races special. Cannon, Killington, and Jay Peak each bring their own character, and together they show why the Northeast belongs on the national mountain running map.”
Located at the north end of Franconia Notch State Park, the Cannon course begins with an immediate climb from the Peabody Base Area up the Peabody Slopes and across the Front Five toward the Aerial Tramway. From there, runners take on the Kinsman Ridge Trail, one of the toughest trails in the East, gaining more than 2,000 feet over a steep and rocky two-mile section before reaching the summit of Cannon Mountain at 4,031 feet.
After reaching the summit, runners will be greeted with views of Franconia Ridge before crossing under the Cannonball Quad, descending Upper Ravine Trail, and climbing toward The Saddle and Mittersill. The course then drops through classic narrow New England ski trails, including Skyline, Ridge Run, Dragon’s Drop, Baron’s Run, and Coyote Crossing, before returning to the Peabody Base Area.
Cirque Series turns ski mountains into summer race venues, making the most of familiar winter terrain during the warmer months. The climbs are serious and the terrain is rugged, but the mileage is manageable, allowing the race to serve both competitive runners and participants looking for a memorable mountain challenge.
At Cannon, Cirque Series is teaming up with Granite Outdoor Alliance, based in North Conway, as its nonprofit partner to support New Hampshire’s outdoor economy and host a vendor village featuring a mix of local outdoor brands and national Cirque Series partners. The partnership connects the race with New Hampshire’s broader outdoor recreation economy while creating a festival atmosphere for runners, spectators, brands, and community members.
“New Hampshire’s outdoor economy is built around places like Cannon and communities that know how to turn mountain access into meaningful experiences,” said Tyler Ray of Granite Outdoor Alliance. “Cirque Series brings people to the mountain, showcases local brands, and celebrates the rugged terrain that makes the White Mountains such a special place to run, hike, ski, and explore.”
Each competitor receives a snapback, giveaway ticket, logoed bib, finisher medal, sponsor swag bag, and free professional race photos. Cirque Series hats will also be available at the Cirque Series merchandise booth. The event will include a full-day vendor village, awards, giveaways, and an after-party.
The Cirque Series welcomes runners of all backgrounds, from first-time mountain racers to elite competitors. Race categories include Sport, Expert, and Pro divisions, allowing participants to compete at the level that best fits their experience and goals.
The Cannon Mountain event is hosted at a New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation site. The course is steep, rocky, grassy, wet, and slippery, and runners are required to follow marked routes and course marshal instructions. Cannon competitors are subject to a strict two-hour cut-off at the Cannon Mountain summit near the top of the Aerial Tram. Courses may be adjusted as necessary based on conditions and operational needs.
For registration, race details, lodging information, and updates, visit www.cirqueseries.com.
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ABOUT CIRQUE SERIES:
Cirque Series is a premier mountain running race series featuring short-distance, high-elevation trail races at iconic mountain resorts across the United States. Billed as the largest trail race series in the country, Cirque Series is known for manageable but demanding courses, major vertical gain, scenic mountain terrain, competitive race fields, and energetic finish-line festivals. The 2026 national tour includes 10 events and is expected to draw more than 5,000 runners.