Race into America 250
America’s 250th birthday is just around the corner, and what better way to spend it than in the Whiteface Region, a destination packed with outdoor events, history, and the crowning jewels of the season, races! Where breathtaking routes and majestic scenery accompany fierce competition, the region is busy hosting athletes all season long.
With a historic summer upon us, get the party started with a race! Saturday, June 20, marks the 9th annual Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run 10k and 5k race, a fundraiser for the Wilmington Historical Society’s building fund. Runners, whiskey lovers, history buffs, and everyone in between can come together to enjoy the day at the Wilmington Whiteface Whiskey Run Festival, a celebration of the region’s thick history with whiskey. With a day packed with live music, vendors, live reenactments, craft drinks, and more, this is the perfect way to kick off your 250th celebration!
What racers need to know
The race takes place at Preston Field in Wilmington, just a short drive down the road from Whiteface Mountain. This race is suitable for athletes of multiple levels, with options including a 5K and a 10 K. There is also a virtual option, meaning you can run the distance on your own course, from anywhere!
The race route is stunning, with the entire stretch following a portion of the Ausable River, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Whiteface Region while you run to the cheers of fans and race staff. With participation, runners receive a t-shirt, a race completion medal, and “swag” from local businesses. Awards are given in men’s and women’s categories for both the 5K and 10K races for first, second, and third places.
The festival
Now to the party! Directly following the race, the festival kicks off at 11 a.m., leading into a packed afternoon of events. Live music will be bumping all day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Naturally, whiskey tastings take center stage, featuring craft drinks from local establishments, along with food vendors ready to supply the perfect pairing to your flask. To commemorate your race time, or simply to give your followers FOMO, snap a pic at the Whiskey Run photo frame and share it to social media (bonus points if you wear that big medal!)
Back at the field, don’t be alarmed if you see a few soldiers in period clothing among the crowd. 1814 Battle of Plattsburgh re-enactors will have set up camp with tents and demos throughout the day! Among the festivities, you’ll also find an eclectic collection of craft vendors, demonstrators, and a raffle, with a drawing at 3:30 p.m.
So why whiskey, and what’s up with the soldiers?
Believe it or not, the Whiteface Region has quite the extensive history with liquor, legal and not so legal. During the War of 1812, Wilmington supplied nearby American troops with good rye whiskey at the Battle of Plattsburgh as part of their daily rations. A few years later, during prohibition, Wilmington (with its short proximity to Canada) provided a safe haven for bootleggers crossing the border with their shipments. In more recent history, Wilmington was home to US Barrel, a whiskey barrel cooperage. Needless to say, this region loves its whiskey and its storied history!
1814 Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration
Since the town of Wilmington did such a good job supplying American soldiers with the best whiskey they’ve ever had, it’s only fair that they make an appearance once a year to pay respect! The 1814 Commemoration, Inc. and the Clinton County Militia, 36th Company, New York, add a touch of living history in period costume. As the day progresses, the groups will provide a living history encampment, a parade with period (1814-era) historic rifles, and cannon fire to start the race. After the fanfare, you may find yourself sharing samples with the officers. Cheers!
Help us preserve Adirondack history
2026 marks the 9th year of the Whiteface Whiskey Run! For 9 years, the race has served as an opportunity to raise money for the Wilmington Historical Society’s building fund, helping maintain one of the region's vital players in historical preservation.
This is a major fundraiser for the proposed new Ruth & Thomas Keegan Memorial History Center, which will house the Wilmington Historical Society. Proceeds will go towards the construction of a new building with a reference library, an archives room, and a display/lecture/community space to promote Whiteface Region history!
Join the party!
Whether you’ve been training all year or simply attend the festivities as a dedicated historian and whiskey connoisseur, the Wilmington Whiskey Race and Festival is the perfect way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
