On Oct. 7, the 52nd annual Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon and 10K was held.

This year’s event saw more than 550 participants preregistering. After 20 days of summer like weather, Oct. 7 was met with more than 3.5 inches of rain. In all, 397 participants braved the deluge to complete either the 13.1- or 6.2-mile course. Every participant that completed the event did so with a positive and gracious attitude. By the conclusion of the event, a 5-inch body of water met the runners at the finish line.

We would like to thank the residents of the town of North Elba and the village of Lake Placid for embracing this event, the final endurance road race in our area for the 2023 season.

The Lake Placid Classic is one of the only running events that is non-profit, and operates entirely with volunteers, with all proceeds directed at local youth and wellness organizations. This year we are anticipating adding to our 11-year total of over $125,000 contributed to the youth of the Lake Placid region and wellness scholarship funds.

This event would not be possible without our title sponsors: TrailNorth Federal Credit Union, Long Run Wealth and Fallen Arch. Lead sponsors: MVP Healthcare Hudson Headwaters Healthcare, Adirondack Health, Mirror Lake Inn, Hyde Fuel Co. and Lake Placid Pub and Brewery. Silver and Bronze sponsors include: Merrill L. Thomas Real Estate, Burnham Financial, Honeywell Law Firm, Lake Placid Sports Medicine, Mosaic Architects, Schoolhouse Construction, Lake Placid Family Dental, Placid Planet, G. Pratt Agency/IB Hunt, Casella, Origins Coffee and Stewarts Shops.

A special thanks to the 35-plus volunteers from the members of the Lake Placid community, multiple civic groups and organizations, and groups from the Lake Placid Central School District. While volunteers are often difficult to find, these volunteers braved 3-plus hours of heavy rain.

Lastly, I wish to thank the town of North Elba (Ken and Shannon Porter), North Elba Park District (Butch Martin), village of Lake Placid (Brad Hathaway), Lake Placid Fire Department, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Greg Borzilleri, Cora Clark and the New York State Police. Finally, thank you to the staff of Adirondack Health’s Fit For Life and Medical Fitness programs, without their enormous efforts this event would not be possible.

Sincerely,

Rick Preston

Volunteer race director, Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon and 10K, Lake Placid