9th Annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run & Festival — Saturday, June 20, 2026

Beautiful Wilmington, NY, is home to Whiteface Mountain and the 9th annual Whiskey Run 5K and 10K!

The Annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival, to benefit the Wilmington Historical Society’s building fund, takes place at Preston Field in Wilmington. Race options include a 5K race and a 10K race, as well as a Virtual Option. Run participants receive a t-shirt, a race completion medal, and “swag” from our local businesses. Awards are given in men’s and women’s categories for both the 5K and 10K races for the first, second, and third places. Stick around after the run for the awards ceremony and have some fun at the Whiskey Run Festival. 

But why a Whiskey Run you ask? As it turns out, the area has quite a storied history with liquor, legal and otherwise. During the War of 1812, Wilmington supplied good rye whiskey to the American troops at the Battle of Plattsburgh as part of their daily ration. During prohibition, with its proximity to Canada, Wilmington residents provided a temporary haven for bootleggers crossing the border, and until recently, Wilmington was home to US Barrel, a whiskey barrel cooperage. So with a somewhat checkered history and natural beauty, the Wilmington Historical Society invites you to join them for the annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and Festival!

Registration

The Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run offers the following race classes. Online registration is found at ADKWhiskeyRun.com.

• 5K: $30 until May 3, then increases to $35
• 10K: $35 until May 3, then increases to $40

Register early for the best rates! Limited registration is available the day of the event from 8:00-9:15 a.m. at the registration booth located at Festival Field.

Order your t-shirt with registration! Shirts are available in Women's small-XL (note: they run small) and Men's small-XL.

Get a refund by referring your friends! Refer 5 or more participants and receive 1 free registration as our thank you. Check your confirmation email after you register for more details!

About the Virtual Race

A 5K & 10K virtual option is available. Times must be turned in by 11:30 a.m. on race day to qualify as a race finisher. You can run anywhere anytime between 8 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20. You will be able to submit your official results through text message or email (instructions will be sent). 

• Virtual 5K: $30 until May 3, then increases to $35
• Virtal 10K: $35 until May 3, then increases to $40

Register early for the best rates!

Racer's Raffle

New this year, take part in the Whiskey Run's online “Racer’s Raffle” as part of the registration process. This initiative enhances the participant experience while creating meaningful exposure for local businesses.

Participants will have the option to enter the raffle during registration through a tiered system ($15 = 1 entry, $20 = 2 entries, $30 = 5 entries, etc.)

Schedule

• 8-9:15am — Packet pick-up & day-of registration at Festival Field on Springfield Road
• 9:30am — 10K & 5K races begin at Preston Festival Field
• 11am — Whiskey Festival begins at Preston Festival Field
• 11:30am — Cut off for race completion & cut off for virtual race time submissions
• 11:45am — Awards ceremony, racer's raffle pick-up (must be present to win)
• 1-4pm — Live music
• 3:30pm — 50/50 raffle drawing

Additional details

Parking is available at the Town Offices Parking Lot across from Festival Field, at the “village garage” lot across the street from Festival Field, and on-street parking on the west side of Springfield Road (NOT in the running lanes on Springfield Road). 

What is the purpose of the fundraiser? This is the Wilmington Historical Society's major fundraiser for thier proposed new Ruth & Thomas Keegan Memorial History Center building. Funds raised by the race will support the construction of a building with a reference library, an archives room, and a display/lecture/community space to promote the Whiteface Region's history!

Questions? Contact the race organizers 

Whiskey FUN - Join the Whiskey Run Festival

Following the race, the Whiskey Run Festival takes place at Preston Festival Field from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. The Festival includes whiskey tastings and food, Battle of Plattsburgh re-enactors in period clothing with tents and demos, a history display, music and entertainment, a craft fair, raffles, and more. All are welcome to attend this fun community event. Learn more about the festival