Trail running and mountain biking are among the fastest growing sports in our own region and around the country.
While it’s natural to think of winter sports when it comes to our Olympic Authority venues, our communities and our venues are vibrant outdoor playgrounds in the warmer months, too. Trail running and mountain biking – sports that have been largely in the background for decades – are now taking the stage as part of our year-round recreation opportunities for athletes and all levels of outdoor trailblazers.
As these summer trail sports grow, enhancements across our venues are greatly elevating experiences in them, too. Whiteface, Mt Van Hoevenberg, Gore, and Belleayre, are welcoming more visitors for these sports, hosting more events, and creating experiences that generate lasting social and economic benefits for local communities and New York State.
Still Ahead This Season
At Mt Van Hoevenberg | Thursday evenings June 4 through August 6
Designed for runners and mountain bikers of all ages and abilities, these fun, friendly, and easy-going Thursday evening events feature 3K, 5K, and 10K courses that alternate weekly between flat and hilly terrain. Weekly raffles, age-group awards, and a welcoming atmosphere make the series a favorite for newcomers and seasoned competitors alike. Click here for comments directly from the participants themselves.
At Mt Van Hoevenberg | July 25
This ultra-endurance trail race sold out well in advance with a field of 225 participants, more than doubling last year’s 96 runners. Competitors complete a 4.167-mile wooded loop every hour on the hour until only one runner remains, creating one of the sport’s ultimate tests of endurance and determination.
At Mt Van Hoevenberg | August 8
Offering 10K, half marathon, and 50K trail races, Spartan Lake Placid takes runners through Mt Van Hoevenberg’s extensive cross-country ski trail system and singletrack, climbing through forests, ascending to the top of the bobsled track, and tackling challenging terrain across the venue. These races are fantastically fun events that also put runners to the test.
North Creek 4-6er Mountain Bike Race and Film Festival
At the North Creek Ski Bowl | August 15
This endurance mountain bike event combines solo and team racing with a festival atmosphere, culminating in a Cycling Film Festival at nearby Tannery Pond Center in nearby North Creek.
At Belleayre Mountain | August 16
A trail running race with two options – 8k and 25k – this event can be a fun challenge running on ski slopes or downright brutal on the 25k course that includes a whopping 5,000 feet of climbing on technical terrain. To encourage more to join in, the event includes a hiking option, too.
WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series Season Finale
Downhill Races at Whiteface Mountain and Cross-Country Events at Mt Van Hoevenberg | October 2 through 4
The best riders in the world descend on the Olympic Region for this epic three-day weekend jam packed with adrenaline-charged mountain bike action at the highest level. This year it’s extra special as Lake Placid is the final stop in the series, making the stakes higher with world titles to be decided and champions crowned. With a rare chance to witness this elite competition close up – and get close to the riders themselves – this is a one-of-a-kind festival-style weekend for all those who love mountain biking.
Season Highlights
Merrell SkyRunner USA’s Mountain Race and SkyRace
At Whiteface Mountain | July 4
With a punishing 3,900 feet of vertical gain, this race proved to be as demanding as it was rewarding. Elite trail runners and amateurs alike tested themselves on one of the toughest courses in the country. Participants chose from the one-loop Mountain Race, the two-loop SkyRace, or the Kids’ Ascent. Even compared with the annual 8-mile Uphill Foot Race on the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, the course was steeper and more technically challenging.
At Gore Mountain | July 19
Built for all ability levels, this endurance event welcomed walkers, hikers, and ruckers. Participants chose from 7-, 14-, 21-, or 28-mile distances, with up to 10 hours to complete their course. Those seeking an extra challenge may carry packs weighing 10, 20, or 35 pounds.
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Each of these events offers athletes and outdoor enthusiasts a unique opportunity to challenge themselves, connect with others, and experience some of this country’s most spectacular mountain venues. Collectively, they represent something even greater: a summer-long celebration of outdoor adventure, healthy competition, and the continued evolution of the Olympic Authority’s four-season destinations.
They also reflect the Olympic Authority’s mission to generate meaningful social and economic benefits for our communities and New York State while inspiring active lifestyles through world-class venues and events.
Whether participating, cheering on competitors, or simply enjoying the experience, these events demonstrate how the Olympic Authority’s venues continue to inspire adventure, foster community, and create lasting memories – all of it ensuring New York’s Olympic legacy thrives in every season.