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2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results: Deborah Eckhouse and Jesse Maris climb to Victory

500 lucky riders got ride one of North America's top hill climbs last weekend, the annual hill climb from Glacier, WA to Artist Point. Ascending 4,462 feet in 22 miles on the scenic Mt. Baker Highway (SR542)

2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results: Deborah Eckhouse and Jesse Maris climb to Victory

500 lucky riders took on one of North America’s premier hill climbs last weekend — the annual ascent from Glacier, WA to Artist Point. The Mt. Baker Hillclimb sends riders up 4,462 feet over 22 miles, climbing from Chair 9 in Glacier to the summit at 5,140 feet. The Mt. Baker Highway (SR542) is widely regarded as one of the most scenic paved roads in the United States, and on race day it becomes a cyclist’s paradise: closed to motorized traffic, wrapped in fresh mountain air, and lined with sweeping views of the North Cascades.

With steep gradients, exposed pitches, and a series of tight switchbacks, the Mt. Baker Hillclimb is a test of pure climbing grit. Riders experience the full spectrum — the agony and the ecstasy — as they battle the ascent while surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s no wonder the event has sold out for five consecutive years, filling early each summer as riders secure their chance to take on this iconic climb.

A thrilling men’s men's race saw Jesse Maris finish in 1:15:13 and Elouan Gardon separated by just two seconds, with Neal Fryett closing fast to complete one of the tightest podiums in the event's history.

Deborah Eckhouse delivered a dominant performance in the women's category, climbing with precision and power to secure the women’s title by a comfortable margin, ahead of Alesha Miller in second and Brenna O’Neill in third place - setting a new women's record of 1:27:52, beating Ellexi Snover's time of 1:28:20 from 2025.

Deborah said afterwards, "4 months ago I was nearly killed by a car in an intersection. 3 months ago I was barely walking with aids. 2 months ago I rode my bike for the first time outside. One month ago I started to do hill climbs again. If at any point during that timeframe someone told me that TODAY I would finish overall female, I would've laughed in their face. Not only did this come true, but I bestest my own time by over 2min! "

The overall course record for the Mount Baker Hill Climb is 1:14:42, set by former professional cyclist Phil Gaimon in 2023.

Race Director Aurielle Buermann summed up the day perfectly: “Thank you to the riders, volunteers, sponsors and the amazing community behind this event. We couldn’t do this without your energy and dedication.”

The Mt. Baker Hill Climb continues to earn national recognition, ranked #1 Hill Climb in the USA in 2025 by Gran Fondo Guide.

The event is produced by Whatcom Events, a volunteer-operated 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to showcasing the natural beauty and outdoor recreation of Whatcom County while supporting local nonprofit organizations.

2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results: Deborah Eckhouse and Jesse Maris climb to Victory
 
2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results Top 10 — Competitive Men
 
1. Jesse Maris — Buckley, Washington — 1:15:13  
2. Elouan Gardon — Acme, WA — 1:15:15  
3. Neal Fryett — Seattle, Washington — 1:15:44  
4. Henry Meek — Seattle, WA — 1:17:42  
5. Chris Uberti — Seattle, WA — 1:17:44  
6. Jeremiah Macadam — Vancouver, British Columbia — 1:18:36  
7. Asher Gold — Seattle, WA — 1:20:31  
8. Manuel Fehlmann — Vernon, BC — 1:20:54  
9. Alwin Ma — Seattle, WA — 1:20:57  
10. Trekken Paddock — Sheridan, Oregon — 1:21:16
 
2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results Top 10 Competitive Women
 
1. Deborah Eckhouse — Female 30–39 — 1:27:52  
2. Alesha Miller — Female 30–39 — 1:29:40  
3. Brenna O’Neill — Female 30–39 — 1:36:10  
4. Chloe Hobson — Female 13–29 — 1:39:30  
5. Lily Miller — Female 30–39 — 1:41:58  
6. Skylar Bruggeman — Female 13–29 — 1:43:54  
7. Sydney White — Female 30–39 — 1:49:06  
8. Sophia Liu — Female 40–49 — 1:49:35  
9. Alicia Brittain — Female 30–39 — 1:50:19  
10. Katrina Rodakowski — Female 30–39 — 1:53:51
 
2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results Top 10 — Competitive Age Group Winners
 
Non-Binary Jodie Makara — 2:05:18 — Seattle
Female 13–29 Chloe Hobson — 1:39:30 — Black Diamond
Female 30–39 Deborah Eckhouse — 1:27:52 — Blaine
Female 40–49 Sophia Liu — 1:49:35 — Kirkland
Female 50–59 Karen Nakagawa — 2:01:18 — North Vancouver
Female 60–69 Anne Hobson — 2:12:54 — Black Diamond
Male 13–29 Jesse Maris — 1:15:13 — Buckley
Male 30–39 Henry Meek — 1:17:42 — Seattle
Male 40–49 Neal Fryett — 1:15:44 — Seattle
Male 50–59 Jason Bethel — 1:27:31 — Mukilteo
Male 60–69 Acy Roff — 1:34:15 — Seattle
Male 70+ Gary Denton — 2:04:27 — Penticton
 
2026 Mt Baker Hillclimb Results: https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/Results/1366

@mtbakerhillclimb @whatcomevents

 

 
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