Back to All Events

Lake Placid Mother’s Day 5K & 10K Race | May 9, 2026

  • Rail Trail 455 Old Military Road Lake Placid, NY, 12946 United States (map)

Lake Placid Mother’s Day 5K & 10K Race

Bringing community to the Adirondack Rail Trail.

Adirondack Rail Trail from Lake Placid.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a brand-new 10K off-road run on the Adirondack Rail Trail.

The Mother’s Day 5K & 10K Race in the Adirondacks returns to Lake Placid on Saturday, May 9, 2026, inviting runners, walkers, families, and even four-legged companions to gather at Bike Lake Placid for a spirited community race along the Adirondack Rail Trail.

It’s an inclusive, springtime event that blends fitness, celebration, and scenic beauty—making it a standout addition to the Adirondack events calendar.

Whether chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the mountain air, participants will find a race designed for connection as much as competition.

After all, Mother’s Day weekend in the Adirondacks deserves something a little more memorable than brunch alone.

Want more hand-picked Adirondack events like this? ADK Taste’s “In Good Taste” newsletter is your weekly guide to the region’s best stories, food, and happenings—delivered fresh every week.

A Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Lake Placid.

Set against the backdrop of the High Peaks region, this race transforms the Adirondack Rail Trail into a lively corridor of runners, families, and supporters. The start and finish at Bike Lake Placid (455 Old Military Rd) place participants just minutes from downtown Lake Placid, Mirror Lake, and nearby Saranac Lake—making it easy to turn race day into a full Adirondack weekend.

The timing is intentional. Early May brings crisp air, budding trees, and that unmistakable sense of seasonal transition in the Adirondacks—ideal conditions for a trail run.

Race formats for runners, families, and pets.

This is not a one-size-fits-all race. It’s thoughtfully designed to welcome a wide range of participants.

Runner on the rail trail outside lake placid.

10K Out & Back
A scenic, longer-distance run that winds through the Adirondack landscape, offering a satisfying challenge for seasoned runners.

5K (stroller & pet-friendly)
A shorter, more relaxed option that opens the door to families with strollers and runners with dogs. It’s a rare race format that truly prioritizes inclusivity.

A few key notes:

  • Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash

  • Children under 13 may not run with a dog

  • The 5K has a limited capacity to maintain safe trail flow

Wave starts may be used beginning at 11:30 am to keep the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

Event logistics at Bike Lake Placid.

Participants should plan their morning accordingly:

  • Bib pickup: begins at 10 am

  • Race start: 11:30 am (wave starts possible)

  • Location: Bike Lake Placid, 455 Old Military Rd

  • Parking: Primary parking at the Lake Placid Firehouse lot; ADA parking available on-site

The setup makes logistics refreshingly simple—especially compared to larger race events.

Racing for a cause in the Adirondacks.

Beyond the finish line, this event carries a deeper purpose.

A portion of the proceeds supports:

  • Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) — helping maintain and improve one of the region’s most accessible recreational corridors

  • Tri-Lakes Humane Society — supporting animal welfare in the Lake Placid and Saranac Lake communities

It’s a meaningful pairing: trails for people, support for animals, and a shared commitment to the Adirondack community.

ADK Taste recommends.

Arrive early and treat this as a full Lake Placid morning. Pick up your bib right at 10 am, then grab a coffee or light bite nearby before the race begins.

Afterward, plan time to explore downtown Lake Placid or take a walk around Mirror Lake—especially if you’re celebrating Mother’s Day with family.

Bikers on the Rail Trail near Saranac Lake.

Biking the Rail Trail.

Why this Adirondack race stands out.

What sets this event apart is its tone.

It’s not just about pace or podiums—it’s about participation. You’ll find competitive runners alongside parents with strollers, dog owners jogging at an easy clip, and visitors discovering the Adirondack Rail Trail for the first time.

That blend—community, scenery, and accessibility—is what makes it feel distinctly Adirondack.

Plan your visit.

For registration, updates, and race details, visit the official race web page.

Given the limited capacity for the 5K, early registration is recommended.

Like this event?In Good Taste,” ADK Taste’s weekly newsletter, curates the best things to do across the Adirondacks—from races and festivals to hidden-gem experiences. Subscribe now.

FAQ: Mother’s Day Race in Lake Placid

When is the Mother’s Day 5K & 10K Race?
Saturday, May 9, 2026. Bib pickup begins at 10 am, and the race starts at 11:30 am.

Where does the race take place?
At Bike Lake Placid, 455 Old Military Rd, Lake Placid, NY.

Is the race family-friendly?
Yes. The 5K is stroller-friendly and open to participants of varying fitness levels.

Can I run with my dog?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the 5K if kept on a non-retractable leash. Children under 13 may not run with dogs.

Is parking available?
Yes. Primary parking is at the Lake Placid Firehouse lot, with ADA parking available at the start/finish.

Do I need to register in advance?
Yes. The 5K has limited capacity, so early registration is encouraged.


Find the best places to eat, shop, stay and experience near Lake Placid.


Ultimate Guide to the Adirondacks

Your insider’s guide to exploring the Adirondacks—where to go, what to eat, and the experiences that make this place unforgettable.


Shop our store for unique Adirondack gifts, clothing, merchandise and cool stuff.


ADK Talks Podcast

Love the Adirondacks? You’ll love our podcast. We take listeners beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of the Adirondacks. We share stories from the people behind the best places to eat, shop, stay and explore in the ADK. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.



See the top upcoming events in the Tri-Lakes and High Peaks region.

Navigate to Adirondack Rail Trail, Lake Placid.

 
Previous
Previous
May 9

Prospect Mountain Road Race | Lake George | May 9, 2026

Next
Next
May 9

‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race | Saranac Lake | May 9, 2026