The Lake Placid Classic takes place on October 10 beginning at 8 a.m. The event features a half marathon, along with 10k and 5k races, and is expected to draw approximately 700 participants along with their family members and other spectators. Event proceeds support local youth organizations and scholarships.
This year, participants are traveling to the area for the race from places throughout the Northeast along with more far away locales including New Mexico, California, Idaho, and Florida.
Event information, including course routes, race details, training information and links to registration, is available at LakePlacidClassic.com. The cost for the half marathon, 10k, and 5k are $85.80, $64.60, and $43.40, respectively; with prices increasing after September 29. Registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, finisher award, fully supported aid stations, food, drinks, and music. This year, local catering company Love, Peace and Grilled Cheese will be on-site.
According to Race Co-organizers Traci Wagner and Andrea Chamberlain, the race, originally launched in 1970 as a marathon from Paul Smiths to Lake Placid, has grown substantially over the years and benefits the local community in many ways. “Since becoming involved with the Lake Placid Classic in 2019, I have watched this race grow year after year; from approximately 500 participants to more than 700, with even more anticipated this year,” said Wagner. “What has always stood out to me most is how family-friendly this event is and just how much it is truly loved by so many. Many participants make it a yearly tradition to return to the Adirondacks during one of the most beautiful seasons of the year to take part in this special event.”
Chamberlain continued, “This race means so much to so many people, and it is equally special to Traci and me due to the positive impact it has on our community. That is why we do this. It brings people together, and gives back to our community, an area that is so special.”
The Lake Placid Classic begins at the Lake Placid Horse Show Grounds, ultimately traveling along a route that remains outside of downtown Lake Placid. The race route winds its way through the horse show grounds, along both John Brown and Old Military Roads, along Route 73 and River Road, before ending at the horse show grounds. The route includes two moderate hills, one at the start and one near the end.
The 10k and 5k races offer abbreviated versions of the half marathon route, also finishing at the horse show grounds. The 10k race follows the half marathon route, turning around on River Road well before the half marathon turn.
The 5k race, established in 2025, allows participants to complete a shorter distance, walk the course, or to participate with their children. Often, family members of half marathon participants will choose to take part in the 5k while waiting for the half marathon finish. The 5k takes participants from the horse show grounds, left onto River Road and back to the grounds.
The Lake Placid Classic is one of the only not-for-profit running and walking events in the Lake Placid region. Over the past several years, the event has become a vital fundraiser, helping provide access to wellness programs and support local youth programming. In 2025, the race expanded its community impact by providing support to multiple local youth programs, including Lake Placid’s Community Schools program. The continued growth of the Lake Placid Classic allows the event to give back to the community while promoting health, wellness, and an active lifestyle.