The Ranger Marathon is a hike that starts out at Philmont’s northern most camp and ends at the southern most camp. Today, this route involves traveling from Dan Beard in the north to Carson Meadows in the south. The Ranger Marathon ending camp has changed over time. Initially the route involved starting at Dan Beard and ending at Line Camp, a former Philmont camp located south of Carson Meadows. The original route is longer than today’s challenge by 1.2 miles, though some still hike the extra distance down to Line Camp.
The true origin of the challenge is not well documented, but it is believed to have been started by rangers who attempted the challenge after dropping off their crews at Dan Beard, a camp which to this day is commonly a day 2 destination for north country itineraries. Though started by rangers, staff from all departments attempt the challenge each summer. To remain true to the spirit of the challenge, many who attempt the marathon adhere to certain requirements for completing the challenge. These requirements may be traced back to the theorized origin and generally involve replicating the conditions of dropping a crew off at Dan Beard. The requirements have varied over time, but generally speaking a legitimate attempt must involve carrying a pack weighing between 30-40 pounds, remaining on Philmont property throughout the challenge, and completing the challenge in under 24 hours. Rangers dropping off crews at Dan Beard would have been attempting the challenge with their full packs having been on the trail for two full days. They also would have very likely needed to complete the challenge during their hike in day, the time frame given to rangers to return to base camp after dropping off a crew. As of the 2010’s there are a few administrative rules that have been added for enhanced safety. The marathon must be attempted in groups of 2 or more and marathon participants declare their intention to attempt the challenge to the Dan Beard staff who then communicates with Carson Meadows staff and logistics in base camp to keep track of staff attempting the challenge.
The challenge’s name is a bit of a misnomer since the route has always exceeded the distance of a true marathon. It is likely that the name predates the first use of the term ultra marathon in 1977, however, the Ranger Marathon qualifies as an ultra marathon being longer than an Olympic marathon. The current length of the course ranges between 38-45 miles depending upon the selected route. The most popular route is the direct route which spans 38 miles and involves a series of difficult elevation changes going over Dean Skyline, down to the Cimarron River, up and over Deer Lake Mesa, down to Cimarroncito Creek, up and over Shaeffer’s Pass, back down to the North Fork Urraca creek and over Stone Wall Pass. Many cite making it past Schaeffer’s Pass as the toughest part of the challenge.
It is common to begin the challenge early in the morning when it is cool, thus avoiding the heat of midday. Staff attempting the challenge also usually carry large amounts of water and many protein bars. Most who partake in this hike take very few breaks and hike throughout the day and sometimes into the night until they get to Carson Meadows.
There is a record book at Carson Meadows that is signed and dated by those that complete the challenge. Most staff who attempt the challenge are simply aiming for completion, however there are some who attempt to achieve speed records for the challenge. Some staff have run the marathon with only a runner’s vest containing snacks and water, thereby ignoring the 30 pound pack requirement. Records in the book at Carson are largely self reported and due to the state of record keeping, it is unclear who actually holds the record for the fastest legitimate Ranger Marathon. Though unsubstantiated, it is probable that the true record is quicker than 12 hours with average completion times being somewhere in the 18-20 hour range.
The challenge may only be attempted by staff of Philmont Scout Ranch.
