Eagle Rock FKT Climb

250 Feet of Climbing

If you live in Essex County, the odds are that you've driven or ran up Undercliff Road (aka Snake Road) which leads into the Eagle Rock Reservation. Without question, it is one of the most challenging climbs in Essex County and one that many runners and cyclists must face on a daily basis as a connection link from Montclair to West Orange. But unlike most famous climbs, the FKT (fastest known time) on this route has never been established. In March 2022, we set out to change that.

However the thing about FKT's, is that they're always temporary, and that crown can always be taken away. If you think you have what it takes to top them, or add your name to the Eagle Rock Climb leaderboard, head out and give it a shot. Full route information and details are below.

The Leaderboard

Male

Female

Challenge Rules.

Entry Fee: Zero. Just go out and run. The only requirement for participation is that you run the route and submit your time.

Recording/Submitting Your Run: All submitted times must be supported by GPS data synced via Strava or Garmin. All runs must be recorded on “Race” mode or must show elapsed time (as opposed to moving time) and emailed to [email protected] or posted on Instagram with the tag @profunctionalrunning. Our team will verify all results to ensure that details are accurate

Course Description: The official start is at the intersection of Gates Avenue and South Mountain Avenue. Runners will head west up Gates Avenue and after 200 meters you will cross the Undercliff Road and Gates Avenue intersection. Make a left onto Undercliff Road where you will have approximately 100 meters to cross the road and stay right (this will become Crest Drive). Stay on Crest Drive for about 1 mile until there is a fork in the road, stay left (see photo below). Finish just past the Highlawn Pavailion (see photo below of star).

For more detailed information, check out this Strava Route

Rules of the Road: Runners are expected to follow all traffic laws, park regulations, and obey appropriate social distancing requirements during their runs.

Assumption of the Risk: Running may be considered a potentially dangerous activity, and anyone who attempts this challenge assumes all risks associated with participation. If you are not comfortable accepting these risks, please do not attempt this challenge.

Prizes.

The overall male and female winner will win a Myofacial + Soft Tissue Massage (valued at $175) from Profunctional Running, located in Montclair, NJ Profunctional will also be giving out a Myofascial + Soft Tissue Massage in a random drawing to anyone who participates!

The overall male and female winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Fleet Feet Montclair. They will also be issuing two gift cards in a random drawing to anyone who participates.

The overall male and female winner will win a free entry into the Hudson River 50, NYC's Ultra Trail Race on October 1, 2022 ($125 value) which will start and finish on the banks of the Hudson River (NJ side).

The top 10 men and women will receive a free donut, thanks to our friends at Montclair Bread Co!