09 May Whiteface Mountain Region Hosts Race Events This June
The Whiteface Mountain region of upstate New York is gearing up to host a series of race events this June. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot races, along with the Wilmington Whiteface mountain bike race, take place in early June. The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run takes place a few weeks later, closer to the end of the month.
According to Michelle Preston, director of the Whiteface Visitors Bureau, the events entice participants from throughout the Northeast who love the region’s natural beauty and challenging courses. “We are so excited to host these events again this year,” she said. “The races provide an opportunity to showcase the area’s rugged backcountry terrain, beautiful scenery, and abundant forests, allowing participants to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the great outdoors while participating in a sport they love.”
The events kick off with the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and Uphill Foot Race on Saturday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m.
The two races begin in downtown Wilmington and end at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks. The uphill course covers eight miles along the mountain’s Veterans’ Memorial Highway, featuring an eight percent grade from base to summit, an awe-inspiring view along the route and 360-degree views from the top.
The bike race begins at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, while the runners begin a short distance away, at the intersection of highways of 86 and 431. Finish lines for both uphill races are in exactly the same place, near the summit.
The uphill bike race will welcome more than 200 riders from across the Northeast, Southern Ontario and Quebec. Spectators can count on at least a couple of riders who add to the challenge by completing the race on unicycles. Interested bike race participants can learn more by visiting whitefacerace.com/bike.
After a multiple-year hiatus, the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race will take place at the same time as the bike race; re-organized in response to public demand by those who have competed in the past. Race organizers encourage runners to utilize the clothing transportation option – participants are able to place a backpack with warm clothes into the bed of a pickup truck that brings those items to the summit, as temperatures can be 20-30 degrees cooler at the finish line. Those interested in registering or learning more about the uphill foot race are encouraged to visit whitefacerace.com/run.
The Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike race returns on Sunday, June 4, at 7:00 a.m. The course features a mix of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of smooth singletrack, and plenty of climbing, making it a challenge for mountain bike enthusiasts. The race begins in Wilmington, traversing the well-known backcountry route to Elizabethtown, another mountain bike center within the Adirondack region of upstate New York.
All participants will receive a post-race meal, finisher medal, and athlete gift. Aid stations will be located along the course, offering energy hydration, water, fruit, and light snacks. Additional information can be found at wilmingtonmtb.com.
The 6th annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run will return to the region later in the month. This fundraiser, benefitting the Wilmington Historical Society’s building fund, features a 5K and 10K race. The event will begin at Preston Field in Wilmington on Saturday, June 17.
Whiskey Run participants can take part in the races and enjoy a fun festival that includes whiskey tastings and food, history displays, music, craft vendors, raffles, and entertainment. Those interested in registering for the race or learning more about the festival should visit adkwhiskeyrun.com.
The Whiteface Mountain region race events are perfect for those who love outdoor adventures and want to challenge themselves. Registration is currently open for all events. To learn more about each race and to register, visit whitefaceregion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255.
Contact:
Jane Hooper, communications manager
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
518-621-3662 518-578-6328 (cell)
jane@roostadk.com
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