The Peru Gazette

WILMINGTON, NY (April 13, 2026) – The Whiteface Region of upstate New York is set to welcome athletes and outdoor enthusiasts this June with a lineup of race events. The Wilmington Whiteface Uphill Bike and Foot Races and the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival have been scheduled.

“These races are a fantastic way to highlight everything Wilmington has to offer,” said Christina Ortiz, director of the Whiteface Visitors Bureau. “It’s a chance to experience the community’s warm hospitality, explore our 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 Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. with the Wilmington Whiteface Uphill Bike and Foot Races, followed by the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival, which caps off the month on Saturday, June 20.

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% grade and total elevation gain of 3,500 feet make this a challenging climb, culminating in panoramic views of the Adirondacks, New England, and Canada.

Cyclists start at the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau, 5753 NYS Route 86, in Wilmington, 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 some crowd favorites tackling the climb on unicycles. Registration for bikers is open 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. Runners can learn more or sign up at WhitefaceRace.com/run.

Later in the month, the ninth annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival brings a spirited twist to race day Saturday, June 20, 2026. The 5K and 10K races begin at 9:30 a.m. at Preston Memorial Field, with options to race in person or virtually. Learn more or sign up at Whitefaceregion.com/events/wilmington-whiteface-whiskey-run.

The Whiskey Run is more than a race. It is a family-friendly festival open to all. Runners and visitors can enjoy a craft show, food trucks, live music and entertainment, a Wilmington history display, raffles, and more. The festival highlights Wilmington’s past, including its role in 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 trails, or enjoying a day of community celebration, the Whiteface Region’s June events offer something for every adventurer. Registration for all races is open. Visit WhitefaceRegion.com or call the Whiteface Region Visitors Bureau at 518-946-2255 for more information.