06 May Bike and run events return to Wilmington this June
The Whiteface Region of Upstate New York is set to welcome athletes and outdoor enthusiasts this June with a lineup of exciting race events. The Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot Races, the Wilmington Whiteface Mountain Bike Race, and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run are all on the calendar for the month.
“These races are a fantastic way to highlight everything Wilmington has to offer,” said Colin Loher, director of the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau. “It’s a chance to experience the community’s warm hospitality, explore our rugged terrain and expanding trail networks, and take in the stunning Adirondack scenery. This is one of the most dynamic times of year to be here.”
The race season kicks off on Saturday, June 7, at 5:30 p.m. with the Whiteface Mountain Uphill Bike and Foot Races, followed on Sunday, June 8, by the grueling Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike Race. The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run caps off the month on Saturday, June 21.
Starting in the heart of Wilmington and finishing at the summit of Whiteface Mountain—the Adirondacks’ fifth-highest peak—the uphill bike and foot races span eight miles, mostly along the scenic Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The steady 8-percent grade and total elevation gain of 3,500 feet make this a thrilling challenge with spectacular 360-degree views from the top.
Cyclists start at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, while runners begin just up the road at the junction of Routes 86 and 431. Finish lines for both races converge near the mountain’s summit. More than 300 cyclists are expected, including a few crowd favorites tackling the climb on unicycles. Details and registration are available at WhitefaceRace.com/bike.
Runners are encouraged to pack warm clothing for the finish, as temperatures atop Whiteface can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than at the base. Backpacks can be loaded into a summit-bound vehicle. Learn more or sign up at WhitefaceRace.com/run.
On Sunday, June 8, the Wilmington Whiteface 100K and 50K Mountain Bike Race—nicknamed “The Beast of the East”—returns to test riders with a mix of rugged backroads, flowing singletrack, and serious climbs. The race starts and finishes at Preston Memorial Field and features a mix of rugged backcountry roads, stretches of flowing and smooth singletrack, and plenty of climbing. Riders will explore remote Jeep roads near Jay and Saddleback mountains, along with technical stretches of singletrack through the Hardy Road Trails and Blueberry Trails. The route stretches from Wilmington to Elizabethtown and back, connecting two premier mountain biking hubs in the Adirondacks.
Finishers receive a medal, athlete gift, and post-race meal at the celebration. Multiple aid stations along the route will keep riders fueled and hydrated. Visit WilmingtonMTB.com for more details.
Later in the month, the 8th annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run brings a spirited twist to race day. On Saturday, June 21, at 9:30 a.m. at Preston Field, the Wilmington Historical Society’s fundraiser includes a 5K and 10K race, followed by a lively festival.
Runners and visitors alike can enjoy whiskey tastings, food vendors, live music, craft booths, history displays, raffles, and more. The festival pays homage to Wilmington’s colorful past—including its role supplying rye whiskey to American troops during the War of 1812 and harboring bootleggers during Prohibition. More recently, the town was home to US Barrel, a cooperage for whiskey barrels.
Whether conquering mountain roads, tackling tough trails, or raising a toast to local lore, the Whiteface Region’s June events offer something for every adventurer. Registration for all races is now open. Visit WhitefaceRegion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255 for more information.
No Comments