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Adirondack Marathon | Schroon Lake & Chestertown | September 26-27, 2026


  • Schroon Lake, New York, 12870 United States (map)

Run Around Schroon Lake at the 30th Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival

Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival.

For three decades, runners have been circling Schroon Lake for one of the Adirondacks’ signature road races. The 30th annual Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, September 26–27, 2026, returns to Schroon Lake and Chestertown with a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run. The setting is unmistakably Adirondack: paved roads, wooded hills and a nine-mile-long lake that makes an exceptionally handsome backdrop for voluntarily running 26.2 miles.

The festival began in 1997 and has grown into a two-town weekend, with shorter races in Chestertown on Saturday before the longer distances take over Schroon Lake on Sunday.

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Adirondack Marathon weekend starts in Chestertown.

Saturday belongs to the shorter-distance runners. The 5K and 10K begin at 9:30 am at the Town of Chester Municipal Center, with both races following paved streets through Chestertown.

The action then moves north to Schroon Lake, where the 1K Kids Fun Run begins at 2 pm at the Adirondack Marathon finish line. Open to runners ages 4–12, it gives younger athletes their own moment at the festival, complete with a T-shirt and finisher’s medal.

Saturday also includes packet pickup for Sunday’s races and a pre-race pasta dinner at Paradox Brewery in North Hudson.

Aerial view of chestertown, ny in the adirondacks.

Chestertown, NY in the southern Adirondacks.

Sunday’s races circle Schroon Lake.

The main event begins Sunday at 8 am, when marathoners and four-person relay teams set off from Schroon Lake. Half-marathoners start at 9 am from the 13.1-mile point of the marathon course, with complimentary buses transporting them to the start.

The scenery comes with a catch: this is not a flat cruise around the lake. The marathon is known for rolling hills along the backside of Schroon Lake. Half-marathoners get several relatively flat miles along the lake’s eastern shore before encountering long, gentle hills on Route 9 heading north.

That combination of challenge and setting helps distinguish the Adirondack Marathon from a conventional urban road race. Here, Schroon Lake is not scenery glimpsed between buildings; it shapes the course itself.

ADK Taste pick.

For runners who like the idea of tackling the marathon course but not necessarily all 26.2 miles themselves, the four-person relay is an appealing alternative. Its four legs range from approximately 4.4 to 8.7 miles, turning an individual endurance test into a team affair.

The town of Schroon Lake in the Adirondacks.

Schroon Lake.

ADK Taste recommendation.

September mornings in the Adirondacks can be considerably cooler than the afternoon. Runners—and spectators waiting along the course—should plan for changing temperatures and bring layers. Competitors should also study packet pickup and transportation instructions before race weekend, particularly half-marathoners and relay teams.

Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival 2026 details.

The Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, September 26–27, 2026, in Chestertown and Schroon Lake. Saturday’s 5K and 10K begin at 9:30 am in Chestertown, followed by the Kids Fun Run at 2 pm in Schroon Lake. Sunday’s marathon and relay start at 8 am, followed by the half marathon at 9 am.

Registration requirements, fees, course maps, packet pickup details and race-day instructions vary by event. Runners should check the official Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival website for the latest information.

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Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival FAQ.

When is the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival in 2026?‍ ‍

The 30th annual festival takes place September 26–27, 2026.

Where is the Adirondack Marathon held?‍ ‍

The marathon, half marathon, relay and Kids Fun Run are centered in Schroon Lake. The 5K and 10K take place in Chestertown.

What races are offered during Adirondack Marathon weekend?‍ ‍

The weekend includes a marathon, half marathon, four-person marathon relay, 5K, 10K and 1K Kids Fun Run.

What time does the Adirondack Marathon start?‍ ‍

The marathon and relay begin Sunday at 8 am. The half marathon starts at 9 am.

Is there an Adirondack Marathon race for children?‍ ‍

Yes. The Kids Fun Run is a 1K race for ages 4–12 at 2 pm Saturday in Schroon Lake.

Where can runners register?‍ ‍

Registration and current race information are available through the official Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival website.


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