Whiteface Region Hosts Race Events This June

14 May Whiteface Region Hosts Race Events This June

Whiteface Uphill Bike Race now includes handcycle division

The Whiteface Region of Upstate New York is gearing up to host a number of race events. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot races, the Wilmington Whiteface Mountain Bike Race, and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run all take place during the month of June. 

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. “This is such an exciting time in Wilmington,” she said. “The races provide an opportunity to showcase the Wilmington community, the area’s rugged backcountry terrain, amazing Adirondack scenery, and our growing mountain bike trail network. We are really excited about the addition of a handcycle division to one of the bike races.”

The events kick off with the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and Uphill Foot Race on Saturday, June 1, at 5:30 p.m. and the Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike Race takes place the very next day. The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run is scheduled to take place on June 15.

The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike Race and Uphill Foot Race begin in downtown Wilmington and end at the summit of Whiteface Mountain, the fifth-highest peak in the Adirondacks. New for 2024 is the addition of a handcycle division, allowing for athletes of all abilities to take part in this challenging race. The route covers eight miles, with the majority of those miles along the mountain’s Veterans’ Memorial Highway, featuring an average 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. Participants will experience a total elevation gain of 3,500 feet.

The uphill bike race is expected to welcome more than 300 riders from areas across the Northeast, along with 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.

The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race will take place at the same time as the bike race. 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.

Hosted by the Adirondack Sports Council, the Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike Race returns the very next day; Sunday, June 2, at 7:00 a.m. Nicknamed “The Beast of the East,” 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.

Race participants have the opportunity to ride a portion of the route with Coach Patrick Carey, two-time 50k winner and six-time 100k finisher who lives and trains in the region. Participants are invited to take part in the finisher festival, receive a post-race meal and obtain their 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 7th 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 15 at 9:15 a.m. and features a post-race celebration and whiskey festival. 

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 festival celebrates the area’s storied history with liquor, legal and otherwise. During the War of 1812, Wilmington supplied good rye whiskey to the American troops at the Battle of Plattsburgh as part of their daily ration. During prohibition, Wilmington residents provided temporary haven for bootleggers crossing the U.S. border from Canada. Most recently, Wilmington was home to U.S. Barrel, a whiskey barrel cooperage. 

The Whiteface 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.