WILMINGTON, N.Y. --- Although work is underway to repair the Whiteface Mountain Veterans’ Memorial Highway, organizers of the 37^th annual Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Race, say that the race will go on as scheduled, Saturday, Sept. 13.

“The current construction will cause minimal effect to the event,” said race organizer and director of the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau Michelle Burns. “I’m confident that racers will enjoy their experience this year, just like they have over the past 36 years of this race.”

Presented by the North Pole, Santa’s Workshop, September’s race marks the third consecutive year that organizers have held this event during the autumn season. It’s also the second consecutive year that the race will be a part of Wilmington’s Festival of Colors celebration, now in its 11 year.  

“We’re very excited to have Santa’s Workshop back with us as a presenting sponsor,” added Burns.  “Their sponsorship, combined with the Festival of Colors, makes this a unique event not just for the participants, but for the entire family as well.”

The eight-mile long race takes runners from throughout the northeastern United States and Canada to the summit of New York State’s fifth highest peak. The 3,500 foot climb begins at the base of the Whiteface Mountain’s Veterans’ Memorial Highway and passes through Santa’s Workshop before finishing at more than 4,600 feet above sea level. Once at the top, racers will be able to relax, catch their breath and take in the 360 degree autumn panoramic view of the Adirondacks, New England and even Montreal, Quebec, to the north.

The Uphill race’s awards ceremony will also take place during the Festival of Colors. Awards will be presented to the top finishers in the men and women’s divisions, junior (under 19) division and military. Awards will also be presented to the best finishing “King and Queen of the Hill,” which is given to the top man and woman, who compete in both the uphill run and bike race.

The Festival of Colors, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., is a traditional hometown celebration of autumn featuring a wide variety of free and family activities including games, face painting, arts and crafts, horse and pony rides, bake-offs and of course food and music. There will also be special guest appearances from Santa’s Workshop characters.

Registration for the 37^th annual Whiteface Uphill Foot Race is $40 for adults, $30 for military, $20 for juniors and $35 for racers who compete in both the bike and uphill races. To register for the event, log on to https://www.runreg.com/3760.

For more information about both the Uphill run and the Festival of Colors, visit www.whitefaceregion.com.

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About Santa’s Workshop: Santa’s Workshop is a theme park that specializes in entertaining young children and the young at heart. Unlike other regional parks, the park’s attractions are geared to please children 48 inches and SMALLER! The minute you walk through the gates of Santa's Workshop, you will be sent back in time to a storybook village where the traditional story of Santa lives! If you are looking for a place to go for your family, there is plenty to see and do! Come on in, look around and join us! OPEN SUMMER, FALL AND WINTER!

Michelle L. Burns

Operations Manager

Whiteface Region Business & Tourism Center

5753 NYS Rte 86 PO Box 277

Wilmington, NY 12997

info@WhitefaceRegion.com  518-946-2255