General Info
All races begin simultaneously at 8 a.m. on Main Street. Runners are encouraged to seed themselves according to expected pace at the start. The race course will officially close at 2 p.m. and any remaining runners will be brought in off the course. Runners who cannot complete the marathon in the six hour race period should downgrade to the half marathon. There is no early bird start available for any of the races.
Race numbers must be pinned to the front of the shirt or shorts and visible at all times. Triathlon race belts are also acceptable.
Runners please note that although some portions of the course are closed to vehicle traffic, other portions are open to local vehicle traffic. Runners are advised to stay left in each direction along River Rd./Riverside Dr. section of the course.
FAQ
Are deferrals allowed?
No, we are not able to offer deferrals after June 1. If you’re unable to make it, we hope you will join us on June 9, 2024!
Why should I choose this race?
The 16th Annual Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon was ranked by a Runner’s World Magazine survey as the #2 “Best Destination” race in the United States!! (Runner’s World Magazine, January 2010 Issue) The Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon is a high quality premier race held in the charming Olympic Village of Lake Placid, New York USA home of the 1932 & 1980 Winter Games.
Is the Lake Placid Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
Yes!! The race is USATF sanctioned and the course is certified.
Are Music Headphones allowed?
YES. USA TRACK & FIELD, the governing body of running events, amended the rule prohibiting headphones to allow them in non-championship events.
How hilly is the course?
The Olympic village of Lake Placid is in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. The two loop out and back course is best described as moderate rolling, some flat, with a few steep hills. The most significant hills are near the ski jumps on Route 73 (once for the half marathon and twice for the full marathon). The hill is approximately 3/10 of a mile long. The full marathon has an elevation gain of approximately 1,393 feet. Chuck Engle’s winning time of 2:34:39 from 2006 proves the course is reasonable and fair.
What is the course surface?
Most of the course is asphalt road. The course will be well marked. It is a very scenic course that takes you up Main St, around Mirror Lake and it provides incredible views of Whiteface Mountain and the Olympic Ski Jumps. Lake Placid is a picturesque place. No spray painting on roads is allowed. Spectators, friends, and family- please make only signs of support and remove them at the end of the day.
What are the course records?
Lake Placid Marathon: Male- Chuck Engle, Colombus, OH, 2:34:39 (2006) Female- Katie Aldridge, Ithaca, NY 3:00:28 (2012) Lake Placid Half Marathon: Male- Nick Maracantonio, Glenns Falls, NY 109:39 (2013) Female- Ironman World Champion Heather Fuhr, San Diego, CA 1:20:50 (2005) Marathon Relay (discontinued in 2009): Relay Team: The Administration 2:36:28 (2009)
What kind of course support is provided?
The marathon and half marathon feature many aid station opportunities in 26.2 miles. The first aid station is water only. The remainder of the aid stations are stocked with water, sports drinks, fruit, pretzels, and other nutrition. Free post-race food and drink are available near the finish line (athletes only).
Do I need Photo Identification at Athlete Check-In during Race Weekend?
YES. All athletes must present Photo I.D. in order to pick up his/her Race Bib, Timing Device, and Athlete Bag. Drivers License, Student I.D. or any other type of picture identification is accepted.
How big is this race?
Each year the event attracts between 900-2,000 runners. In addition, the event attracts thousands of spectators. We offer a big race feel with small town charm!
Once the Race is FULL is there a waiting list?
Sorry, the Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon does not have waiting lists.
Are Entry/Bib Transfers or Resale allowed?
NO. Transfer or resale are not allowed. This is because 1) to ensure that the athlete who signed up online or by mail is the same athlete who competes. Any variance of this skews the Race Results (age group, gender) for ALL participants. 2) The Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon and the New York State Department of Transportation requires original signature on all required waivers and documents. Anyone caught facilitating or receiving unauthorized entry/bib transfers and/or resale of Race Entry/Bib will be immediately reported to the New York State authorities, USA Track & Field (Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon event sanctioning body) and be banned from all future Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon events.
Can I enter the race on race day?
Yes, there is Race Day registration as long as the race isn’t sold out. We highly encourage you to register in advance to avoid missing out.
Are race Walkers allowed to register for the marathon or half marathon?
YES. However the Lake Placid Marathon & Lake Placid Half Marathon are running races and those who intend to walk the event must register as an official runner (and simply race-walk the course). All race rules apply including the six (6) hour course limit which is strictly enforced. Walkers must yield to runners while on the race course. All walkers who finish the race within the time limit get a Finisher Medal for their respective event.
What if I signed up for the Half Marathon and I now want to run the Full Marathon?
Simply send simple email with your full name, age and address for instructions to info@lakeplacidmarathon.com . There is a $25.00 upcharge for the Half Marathon to Marathon switch. Once processed you will be sent a change of race confirmation via email.
What if I signed up for the Marathon and I want to SWITCH ENTRY to the Half Marathon or vise versa?
Simply email your request to info@lakeplacidmarathon.com . Sorry, no refunds on the entry fee difference. You will be sent a change of race confirmation via email.
Are dogs allowed?
We love dogs! Unfortunately, for the safety of our runners they are not allowed on the course.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes! We are stroller-friendly.
Are Entry/Bib Transfers or Resale allowed?
NO. Transfer or resale are not allowed. This is because 1) to ensure that the athlete who signed up online or by mail is the same athlete who competes. Any variance of this skews the Race Results (age group, gender) for ALL participants. 2) The Lake Placid Marathon and the New York State Department of Transportation requires original signature on all required waivers and documents. Anyone caught facilitating or receiving unauthorized entry/bib transfers and/or resale of Race Entry/Bib will be immediately reported to the New York State authorities, USA Track & Field (Lake Placid Marathon & Half event sanctioning body) and be banned from all future Lake Placid Marathon & Half events.
When can I pick up my race packet?
The day before the race on Saturday from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Race packet pickup will be at the Olympic Speed Skating Oval on Main Street. PHOTO I.D. is required.
Can I pick up my race packet on Race Day?
Yes. We will also have race day pick-up on race day from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. We anticipate being very busy so we encourage you to pick up the day before. The stress of race day pickup is no fun! PHOTO I.D. Required. RACE DAY CHECK-IN IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
What does my race packet contain?
Your individual Race Bib with ChronoSystems “B” tag timing device and Event Athlete Gift. Race numbers must be attached to the front of the clothing on race day so course officials can determine which race the athlete is participating. Safety pins for attachment are provided.
What is the typical weather for race day?
Lake Placid is in the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Mountains. Be prepared for a wide variety of weather patterns. The 2016 race saw temperatures in the low to high 70s and clear skies. 2017 was hot and windy. Monitor the Weather Link on our Home Page prior to the race and plan accordingly.
Is medical support available?
A First Aid tent will be present in the finish area Athlete Village.
Do finishers receive medals?
All Marathon and Half Marathon finishers receive a high quality Lake Placid Marathon medal, however, this year we are seeing amazing turnout and cannot guarantee medals to those who signed up for the Full Marathon after May 16th. We are required to order our medals in advance, so we tried our best to guess the total turnout, but can’t guarantee we guessed the exact total correctly. The course time limit for the Half Marathon & Full Marathon is six (6) hours.
What are the place prizes, what are the categories, and how deep do they go?
Categories in the marathon and half marathon are five-year age groups, awards are three (3) deep in each category. There is also 1st – 5th overall awards for men/women in the full and half.