9th Annual Whiskey Run Festival

The Whiskey Run Festival, which follows the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run 5K & 10K races, will be held for the 9th year on Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Preston Festival Field. The Festival features a craft show, food trucks, music and entertainment, a Wilmington history display, raffles, and more! All are encouraged to attend this fun community event, it isn't just for racers!

But why a Whiskey Festival you ask?

As it turns out, the area has quite a storied history with liquor, legal and otherwise. Rye grew well in the area, and there were several whiskey distilleries. Major Reuben Sanford of Jay (now Wilmington) owned several distilleries. 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!

1814 Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration

1814 Commemoration, Inc. and the Clinton County Militia, 36^th Company, New York will be in attendance. Dressed in period costume, the groups will provide a living history encampment, parade with period (1814 era) historic rifles, and provide cannon fire for the start of the race. 

2026 Schedule

• 9:30am — 10K & 5K races begin at Preston Festival Field
• 11am — Whiskey Festival begins at Preston Festival Field
• 11:45am — Whiskey Run awards ceremony and Racer's Raffle drawing*
• 12:15am — Commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh with music by Stan Ransom, "The Connecticut Peddler"
• 1-4:00pm — Live music by Moonshine Hollow Bluegrass
• 3:30pm — 50/50 raffle drawings

*Non-runners may also participate in the Racer's Raffle! Go to www.adkwhiskeyrun.com and click on "DONATE" in the menu, then follow the instructions. It is $15 for one entry, $20 for 2 entries, and $25 to be entered 5 TIMES! 

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. The Wilmington Historical Society is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.

Want to run a whiskey race?

Learn more about the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run and register to race! This is a fun and scenic run with 5K and 10K distances and the option to run the race virtually!