Annual Adirondack Distance Run

Lake George Village to Bolton Landing

This race has been run annually for over 30 years. Traditionally the running event is held on the Sunday proceeding July 4th. So some years it will be in the month of June and some years in July. Be sure to check our events calendar for the exact date each year.

The race is a 10 mile run from Lake George Village to Bolton Landing. I understand that the beginning of the distance run may have changed slightly. But basically it starts by the Lake George Village Fire Department (one block from Route 9). After about a half mile the course forks to the right onto Lake Shore Drive and heads north along Lake George to Bolton Landing. The finish is in the town Park right near the beach.

The course is awesome with lots of shade (… perfect for those hot summer days!) and rolling hills all the way. Most of the hills aren’t too bad though. If you are aggressive on them, by the time you begin to tire, you’re at the top and already beginning to descend.

There are a few of other things I like about this race. One is that awards are given for first place for every age. Normally in road races awards are given for first place (or 1st, 2nd, & 3rd) for five or 10 year age groups. Not this race. If, for example, there is a runner for every age (…say between 8 to 80), the first place finisher of each age gets an award. If I remember correctly, they are nice awards too! (… I won one or two actually!).

Here are the 2009 male and female champs!

Another thing I like about the distance run is that the course is run in one direction. It’s not a loop or an out and back race. The start and finish are 10 miles apart. (... and the course is guided by volunteers on bikes). You may ask “how do I get back to my car when I’m done"? "Do I have to jog back"? (… 20 miles total!). No, not at all. There is free bus transportation in both directions.

If you choose to park at Bolton Landing (… which I like to do because it’s closer to my vacation home), buses leave to the start of the race beginning at 6am from Main Street right in front of the Bolton Town Hall. The last bus departs at 6:45am. I like doing it this way because I don’t feel rushed after the race is over to catch a bus back to Lake George Village. Plus if you have warm-up cloths prior to the race, the bus delivers them to the finish.

If you choose to park at the start in Lake George Village, buses will leave after the race, again from in front of the Bolton Town Hall on Main Street. The last bus leaves after the awards ceremony is completed.

Another thing I like about the Adirondack Distance Run is that there is free swimming and picnicking after the race right near the finish line at Roger's Park Beach! (... on a hot race day you can imagine how refreshing that is)! Refreshments are also available for participants after the race.

If you decide to run or jog this race you should be aware that there is no race day or phone registration. However, there is an on-line registration process (… at active.com). I believe you can register on-line up until the Friday before the race. There is a late “packet pick up” and registration opportunity the Saturday before the race usually between 5-7pm and also “packet pick up” on Sunday, the morning of the race from 6 -7:15am. High quality long sleeve T-shirts are usually provided to first 600 entries. For more information call 518-792-7396.

Have fun! …. Let me know how you did!

But remember, you better get in shape first or you may end up like their friend .......... (PS ... That's a joke!)

Looking for a Place to Stay or Eat Nearby:

• Check out our Adirondack vacation home.

• Check out our listing of other places to stay here.

• Check out places to eat here.