In 1970, a small group of runners led by Dr. Robert Lopez, a prominent Saranac Lake Veterinarian began a marathon and half-marathon race originally run from Paul Smiths/Saranac Lake to Lake Placid. In 1983, the event was taken over by Butch Martin and the North Elba Park District who continued the fall tradition running the half-marathon on local roads. In 2012, after budget restrictions forced the Park District to forego its lead sponsorship, a small group of local volunteers took over the management of the event, changing the name to The Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon and 10K. The race also changed its mission.

The Lake Placid Classic is one of the only nonprofit running/walking events in the Lake Placid area. The goal of the event organizers is to raise funds for local youth organizations. Over the past several years, it has become the vital fundraisers for the local Connecting Youth and Community of Lake Placid and Wilmington.

CYC is a nonprofit, youth development organization made up of local community leaders, youth, parents and business partners. Their mission is to promote positive youth development.

In 2012, the event had 191 participants but has steadily grown year after year to 2019, when there were more than 650 participants. The goal is to have a family-friendly, “good time” event at an affordable price. Over the last seven years, the Lake Placid Classic has donated more than $45,000 to local youth organizations and scholarship funds. This year, organizers are planning for fewer participants, as many races have moved to the fall season due to COVID-19, and there are travel restrictions from Canada.

The Lake Placid Classic is the last sizable event in the town and village, so organizers are asking locals to embrace this event. The business community continues to support the Lake Placid Classic through sponsoring the event. This year, there are more than 18 sponsors supporting the event, including the primary sponsors: Long Run Wealth Advisors, The Fallen Arch, Trail North Credit Union and Adirondack Health. For additional information, or to register for this event, visit our website at www.lakeplacidclassic.com.