A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is necessary for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL White Mountains race, and your goal is simply to finish, or you are veteran aiming for a PR or BQ, you should have a well-planned strategy for how you intend to manage the course.

The head coach of REVEL’s Online Coaching Program, who has run a Boston Qualifying time in all the REVEL marathons, has prepared a detailed description of the 2024 White Mountains Marathon and Half- Marathon courses.

Managing the Course Based on Segments

A critical component of your strategy is the course profile itself. Where are the sharp descents? Where are the climbs? Where does the course “flatten” a bit?

You want to plan your race with course segments in mind, and with an overall strategy for varying paces throughout. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to know before the race where those variations will occur.

The White Mountains Marathon course can be divided into five sections:
Miles 1-5: Fast Start
Miles 6-9: Noticeable Slowdown
Miles 10-15: Out and Back 10K
Miles 16-20: Gradual Downhill
Miles 21-F: Rolling 10K
The White Mountains Half-Marathon course can be divided into three similar sections:
Miles 1-2: Flat, Easy Warm-Up
Miles 3-7: Steady Downhill
Miles 8-F: Rolling 10K

You can study the courses yourself on the REVEL website. You can zoom in, use the interactive elevation chart, and get a feel for what lies ahead of you on race day.

If possible, you should drive the course before race day to get a feel for what the segments look and feel like. Knowing what to expect, and when, is helpful when preparing your course strategy. The marathon and half-marathon courses are summarized below based on the segments described above.

THE MARATHON COURSE

Miles 1-5: Fast Start

Starting at 2,818’ of elevation, the start of the marathon is at the CL Graham Wangan Overlook on the Kancamagus Highway. This opening 5-mile segment, which is almost entirely downhill, will be the fastest of the day, but take your time getting into a steady, efficient, and fast downhill pace. After you warm up for the first half-mile or so, you will gradually build to your goal race pace and faster. Overall, you will lose more than 1,400’ of elevation up to mile 5. Manage the notable drops by easing into your pace, settling in for the long haul, and letting gravity pull you along at a comfortably fast pace.

Miles 6-9: Noticeable Slowdown

Just before the 5-mile mark, you will notice that the marked elevation loss in the opening segment quickly comes to an end. Overall, the next 4-mile segment from mile 5 to mile 9 loses only 160’ of elevation. The elevation loss per mile drops significantly, and it is expected that you will run slower here. Also, there are some minor climbs in this section. Overall, you should still be able to sustain your goal pace per mile through these 4 miles, but you will need to be patient and accept the relatively slower paces.

Miles 10-15: Out and Back 10K

After you pass mile 9, the course flattens noticeably. Around mile 9.6, you will turn left onto Bear Notch Road and begin the 4-mile out-and-back that will slow you down markedly (2 miles out, 2 miles back). The “out” part of this section climbs 234’ over roughly 2 miles, which is a grade of 2.2%. It is a gradual, steady climb all the way to the turnaround at mile 11.6. After the turnaround, the course maintains a flat profile for about a half mile before you start to descend the 234’ towards the start of the out-and-back. When you get back onto the Kancamagus Highway, you will be at mile 13.5. The next 1.5 miles, up
to the mile 15 marker, is essentially flat.

Miles 16-20: Gradual Downhill

After mile 15, the course begins to descend gradually again, with an overall downhill grade of 1.4. After the challenging climb on the out-and-back, the total elevation loss of 378’ in miles 16-20 will be comfortable on fatigued legs. You can expect to run your goal pace throughout, with occasional accelerations on the more downhill segments.

Miles 21-F: Rolling 10K

The final 10k loses a total of almost 400’ for an average 1.2% downhill grade. As the name of this section implies, it is a rolling downhill. Although none of the few climbs are more than about 10’, the late-race fatigue that typically sets in at this point of a marathon will make those short climbs more challenging, and the flatter terrain will feel like climbing even when it is slightly downhill or flat.

Summary of the Marathon Course
The REVEL White Mountains Marathon course loses more than 2,350’ of elevation from start to finish. Over the 26.2-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your "faster than normal" pace on the downhill segments. Although it is true that you never want to "out too fast" in the opening miles of a marathon, remember that gravity is your friend, and you want to take advantage of the benefits of downhill running. It makes sense to run as fast as you can comfortably run on the downhills, build yourself a "cushion" of time to account for the elevation gains on the course, and start the race with an expectation that you will (1) be ahead of schedule for the opening miles, (2) slow down on the climbs and flatter portions of the out-and-back, (3) rebuild a slight time cushion in miles 16-20, and (4) use the time-cushion in the rolling downhill final 10K.

THE HALF-MARATHON COURSE

Miles 1-2: Flat, Easy Warm-Up

Starting at over 1,200’ of elevation, the course is essentially flat for the first two miles. There are a couple of short, steep climbs in the first half-mile of the race, but overall the opening mile loses 6’ of elevation. The second mile is a long, gradual climb. You will gain 12’ over this mile, but there are no steep hills like the short ones you encountered in the first mile. This opening segment should be your warm up for the day, so you want to keep your running relaxed and right at your goal pace effort.

Miles 3-7: Steady Downhill

Just past mile 2, the course begins to descend noticeably for the first time. Miles 3-7 lose a total of 385’, which is a comfortable -1.5% grade. This is where you should be able to build a small “cushion” for the closing miles of the race. You won’t see remarkably fast splits each mile, but generally, you should find it relatively easy to run slightly faster than your goal pace for most of this segment. At the same time, be wary of a sensation of “running too fast.” If you feel out of control, or if you feel yourself working “too hard” while running downhill, then lower your level of effort. But be mindful that it is expected for you to be ahead of goal pace during this downhill segment of the race.

Miles 8-F: Rolling 10K

The final 6.1 miles (technically not quite 10K, but close) of the course continues the gradual downhill to the finish, losing 390’ overall. As the name of this section implies, it is a rolling downhill. Although none of the few climbs are more than about 10’, you can expect your pace to slow a bit in this segment. Don’t “push” yourself to try matching the faster paces that you held in the more downhill miles earlier in the race. If anything, you should just try to hit your overall goal pace, if not slightly slower.

Summary of the Half-Marathon Course

The REVEL White Mountains Half-Marathon course loses more than 760' of elevation from start to
finish. That's an average of almost 60' per mile over the 13.1-mile course, and you will surprise yourself with your "faster than norma" pace on the downhill segments. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to run as fast as you can comfortably run on the downhills to build yourself a "cushion" of time to account for the elevation gains on the course.

Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 31-time REVEL marathon finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course. His streak stands at 24 successful BQ efforts in a row at REVEL marathons.

By Paul Carmona, REVEL Online Coach

A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is necessary for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first REVEL Mt Charleston race, and your goal is simply to finish, or you are veteran aiming for a PR or BQ, you should have a well-planned strategy for how you intend to manage the course.

The head coach of REVEL’s Online Coaching Program, who has run a Boston Qualifying time in all the REVEL marathons, including five times at the REVEL Mt Charleston Marathon, has prepared a detailed description of the 2024 Mt Charleston Marathon and Half-Marathon courses.

Managing the Course Based on Segments
A critical component of your strategy is the course profile itself. Where are the sharp descents? Where are the climbs? Where does the course “flatten” a bit? You want to plan your race with course segments in mind, and with an overall strategy for varying paces throughout. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to know before the race where those variations will occur.

The Mt Charleston Marathon course can be divided into seven sections:
Mile 1: Warm Up
Miles 2-4: Swift Downhill
Mile 5: Tiny Loop (with two short climbs)
Miles 6-21: Steady and Fast
Miles 22-23: Flatten Out
Mile 24: Get Past This Short Climb
Miles 25-26.2: Pick It Up for the Finish
The Mt Charleston Half-Marathon course can be divided into four similar sections:
Miles 1-8: Swift Downhill
Miles 9-10: Flatten Out
Mile 11: Get Past This Short Climb
Miles 12-13.1: Pick It Up for the Finish
You can study the courses yourself on the REVEL website. You can zoom in, use the interactive elevation chart, and get a feel for what lies ahead of you on race day. If possible, you should drive the course before race day to get a feel for what the segments look and feel like. Knowing what to expect, and when, is helpful when preparing your course strategy. The marathon and half-marathon courses are summarized below based on the segments described
above.

THE MARATHON COURSE
Mile 1: Warm Up
Starting at almost 7,600’ elevation, the start of the marathon is near the Mt Charleston Lodge on Kyle Canyon Road. The first 1/10 mile is around a small hook shape on the road adjacent to the Lodge, and it is extremely narrow with a short climb. Once you make the turn on that loop, you will be heading back toward the staging area. Then, after you pass the Lodge, the next 1/4-mile climbs almost 60’ as you exit the starting area. This should be just a nice easy warm-up for you. Start out nice and slow and conserve your energy. After you get past this first half-mile, the rest of mile 1 descends about 100' with zero climbing.
Miles 2-4: Swift Downhill
After the mile 1 marker, the next 3 miles drop well over 770’ total, with an average of 4.6% downhill grade and no climbing until the last 1/10 mile before the 4-mile marker. This is a segment where you do not want to get caught up with the pace of other runners if they are passing you. You still have many miles to go, and you want to conserve your energy for the miles ahead. If you feel yourself working too hard, then simply slow down.
Mile 5: Tiny Loop (with two short climbs)
As you approach mile 4, there is a climb of about 40’ as you approach The Mt Charleston Resort on your right. Once you pass the Resort, this short climb is over. Not long after that, just before mile 5, you will reach a roundabout (traffic circle) at the entrance to the United States Forest Service’s Spring Mountains Visitor Gateway. At this point, the course diverts from the main road – Kyle Canyon Road – into the visitor center parking lot. You will make a counterclockwise loop around the parking lot before re-entering the main road again.
The loop around the visitor center begins at mile 4.85 of the marathon. It ends at mile 5.2, so the total distance around the parking area is only about 1/3 mile. However, you will climb about 35’ for the first half of that loop, and then descend the same elevation as you exit the parking lot.
Miles 6-21: Steady and Fast
When you exit the visitor center parking area, you will be at roughly 6,600’ of elevation. For the next 16 miles, you will lose more than 3,700’ of elevation. That’s an average of about 4.4% elevation loss per mile, which is what makes this course so extremely fast. More importantly, there is only one climb in that entire stretch, and it happens about mile 12.5. That one is a short but very visible climb that is over quickly: the entire climb is only about 1/8 of a mile long. Be wary of a sensation of “running too fast” in this entire stretch of the race. If you feel out of control, or if you feel yourself working “too hard” while
running downhill, then lower your level of effort.
Miles 22-23: Flatten Out
Just past mile 21, you will make a right turn onto the frontage road along U.S. 95. After the previous 16 miles of steady downhill, you will certainly feel how the 4% downhill grade quickly becomes a 2% downhill grade. Keep in mind that you will still lose about 226’ of elevation in this stretch of the race, with no elevation gain. However, the flatter terrain will make it feel like climbing.
Mile 24: Get Past This Short Climb
As you approach mile 23.2, with only three miles to go, you will make a right turn onto Grand Teton Drive. The elevation at that turn is 2,659’. Then you will run a short - but steep - climb to Fort Apache Road, where you will turn left. From that turn onto Fort Apache, it is just over a half-mile to “top out” a slow climb to mile 23.95, where the elevation is 2,690’. After that, the course begins the gradual descent to the finish.
Miles 25-26.2: Pick It Up for the Finish
Once you reach mile 24, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish" The elevation loss from mile 24 to the finish is over 170’ – a nice downhill for your final 2.2 miles! Better yet, you will encounter terrific crowds who will cheer you towards the finish line of the fast and beautiful Mt Charleston Marathon!
Summary of the Marathon Course
The Mt Charleston Marathon course loses almost 5,100’ of elevation from start to finish. Over the 26.2-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your speed on the downhill segments. Although it is true that you never want to "go out too fast" in the opening miles of a marathon, remember that gravity is your friend, and you want to take advantage of the benefits of downhill running.

THE HALF-MARATHON COURSE
Miles 1-8: Swift Downhill
Starting at over 4,500’ of elevation, the course drops 1,660’ from the start to mile 8, with zero elevation gain in that stretch. That is an average of more than 200' per mile, which is a significant but manageable descent each mile. You will want to manage the early part of this downhill segment by easing into your pace, settling in for the long haul, and letting gravity pull you along at a comfortably fast pace. You should not feel as if you are running “too hard” or “too fast.” If you do, then you should ease back a bit and aim for a “comfortably hard” pace.
Miles 9-10: Flatten Out
Just past mile 8, you will make a right turn onto the frontage road along U.S. 95. After more than 8 miles of steady downhill, you will certainly feel how the 4% downhill grade quickly becomes a 2% downhill grade. Keep in mind that you will still lose about 200’ of elevation in this stretch of the race, with no elevation gain. However, the flatter terrain will make it feel like climbing.
Mile 11: Get Past This Short Climb
Just past mile 10, with about 3 miles to go, you will make a right turn onto Grand Teton Drive. The elevation at that turn is 2,659’. Then you will run a short - but steep - climb to Fort Apache Road, where you will turn left. From that turn onto Fort Apache, it is just over a half-mile to “top out” a slow climb to mile 10.8, where the elevation is 2,690’. After that, the course begins the gradual descent to the finish.
Miles 12-13.1: Pick It Up for the Finish
Once you reach mile 11, you can say to yourself "now downhill to the finish" The elevation loss from mile 11 to the finish is over 170’ – a nice downhill for your final 2.1 miles! Better yet, you will encounter terrific crowds who will cheer you towards the finish line of the fast and beautiful Mt Charleston Half-Marathon!
Summary of the Half-Marathon Course
The Mt Charleston Half-Marathon course loses more than 2,000’ of elevation from start to finish. With an average loss of more than 150’ per mile, this is one of the fastest half-marathon courses you will ever run. Over the 13.1-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your speed on the downhill segments.

Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 31-time REVEL marathon finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course. His streak stands at 24 successful BQ efforts in a row at REVEL marathons.

A course strategy – and overall race strategy – is necessary for optimal performance on race day. Whether this is your first half-marathon, and your goal is simply to finish, or you are aiming for a PR, you must have a well-planned strategy for how you intend to manage the course.

The head coach of REVEL’s Online Coaching Program, who has run a Boston Qualifier on all the REVEL marathon courses he has run, has prepared a detailed description of the Mt Diablo Half-Marathon course.

Managing the Course Based on Segments

A critical component of your race strategy is the course profile itself. Where are the sharp descents? Where are the climbs? Where does the course “flatten” a bit? You want to plan your race with course segments in mind, and with an overall strategy for varying paces throughout. Your varied paces will be dictated by the elevation losses and gains, and you want to know before the race where those variations will occur.

The Mt Diablo Half-Marathon course can be divided into three sections:
Miles 1-2: Severe Downhill
Miles 3-10: Settle In
Miles 11-13.1: Coasting In

You can study the course yourself on the REVEL website. You can zoom in, use the interactive elevation chart, and get a feel for what lies ahead of you on race day. If possible, you should drive the course before race day to get a feel for what the segments look and feel like. Knowing what to expect, and when, is helpful when preparing your course strategy. The half-marathon course is summarized below based on the segments described above.

Miles 1-2: Severe Downhill
Starting at just over 3,800’ elevation, the course drops 823’ from the start to mile 2. That is an average of 412' per mile, which is a significant drop.You will need to resist the urge to chase people if they pass you. Although you want to take advantage of gravity throughout this course by running “comfortably fast” on the downhills, you need to manage the early downhill drops by easing into your pace, settling in for the long haul, and letting gravity pull you along. You should not feel as if you are running “too hard” or “too fast.” If you do, then you should ease back a bit and aim for a “comfortably hard” pace.

Miles 3-10: Settle In
Overall, you will drop 2,567' in miles 3-10. That is an average of 321’ per mile, which is remarkable. Compared to the noticeably fast – and steep – downhill miles from the start to mile 2, this section is a much more “comfortable” downhill.

This is the section where you can really settle into your race pace. The downhills are less sharp than the opening segment, and all of them lose between 262’ and 367’ per mile. At the same time, be wary of a sensation of “running too fast.” If you feel out of control, or if you feel yourself working “too hard” while running downhill, then slow down. If you are tracking your splits every mile or every few miles at marked intervals, don’t be surprised to see that you are running well ahead of your goal pace.

Miles 11-13.1: Coasting In
Remember that the opening 2-mile segment loses an average of 412’ per mile, and the second 8-mile segment loses an average of 321’ per mile. This final segment loses an average of about 85’ per mile. This is still a net downhill per mile, but it is much less than the earlier miles. As the course begins to descend more gradually, you might notice that your pace is beginning to slow.

Pay close attention to your own level of effort. Whatever level of effort you feel on the opening downhill segments is your benchmark; duplicate that level of effort on the less downhill miles, but do not go harder. Pay attention to your breathing and heart rate. If you feel yourself working too hard, then simply lower your level of effort. You should be coasting in for the final miles. Keep in mind that although you still lose 261’ total in the last 3.1 miles, that amount is minor compared to the average elevation loss from the start-up to mile 10; every mile from 1-10 loses more elevation per mile than the entire final 3.1 miles combined. The slowdown you will experience in the last 5K is expected.

Summary
The REVEL Mt Diablo Half-Marathon course loses 3,651' of elevation from start to finish. That's an average of more than 278'; per mile (-5.3% grade), making this one of the fastest half-marathon courses you will ever run. Over the 13.1-mile course, you likely will surprise yourself with your "faster than normal" pace on the downhill segments.

Paul Carmona is the Online REVEL Coach who has designed training plans specifically for REVEL downhill courses. He is a 30-time REVEL marathon finisher and has run multiple Boston Qualifiers on every REVEL course. His streak stands at 24 successful BQ efforts in a row at REVEL marathons.