Welcome to the Adirondacks!
Located in the Adirondack Mountains, IRONMAN Lake Placid's course beckons racers to come to experience the breathtaking views, challenging climbs, and amazing volunteers – truly make it a "must race" on athletes' bucket lists. We welcome you to the region for the 26th IRONMAN Lake Placid and hope that you and your families have an amazing time while you are here, and of course wish you the best of luck on race day. We will be there cheering you on!
Beyond the Course
Discover the communities that make up the legendary IRONMAN course
While you are in the area training and preparing for the big day, we invite you to get out beyond the race course and discover the unique communities that make up the legendary course. Take time to step into nature and explore our seemingly endless lakes and trail. Stop into local shops or visit one of the many unique local attractions. Or simply pull up a stool and enjoy a cup of coffee or cold local beer with one of the many local faces that are behind making the Lake Placid IRONMAN go off each year without a hitch.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid beckons travelers and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the globe. Main Street is lively year-round, packed with restaurants and shops that look over sparkling Mirror Lake. Grand lodges and hotels surround the lake, with a breathtaking view of the high peaks on the horizon. Home to the Winter Olympics in both 1932 and 1980, you can wander the Olympic Village and even stand in the arena that was host to the Miracle on Ice.
Must-see attractions and activities:
- Walk or paddle Mirror Lake
- Go for the gold at the Lake Placid Legacy Sites
- Save room for big meals and sweet treats!
Wilmington
Home to Whiteface Mountain and the site of the 1980 Olympic alpine events, Wilmington is a scenic destination, rich in athletic history. You can bike the Whiteface toll road, considered the hardest climb in New York, enjoy unparalleled views, and then treat yourself to one of the many restaurants in town. Filled with unique shops, natural destinations, and delicious dining, it’s a destination the whole family can enjoy.
Must-see attractions and activities:
- Feel like a kid again at Santa's Workshop
- Get close to nature at High Falls Gorge
- Ascend new heights in comfort at the Whiteface Mountain Veterans' Memorial Highway
Jay & Upper Jay
Known best for the Ausable River, where water cascades down from the highest mountain peaks in the state before slowing to a meandering waterway. The river attracts people worldwide for what many say is the best fly fishing in New York. The Town of Jay is also famous for its covered bridge, the only of its kind in the Adirondacks. Originally built in 1857, it stood for 150 years before being replaced by a new replicated covered footbridge.
Must-see attractions and activities:
- Travel back in time at the Jay Covered Bridge Park
- Shop for handcrafted art at the Jay Craft Center and Young's Studio & Gallery
- Join a new herd of friends at the scenic Sugar House Creamery and don't skip the farm store!
Keene Valley
Tucked into the High Peaks, which soar all around this sweet town, Keene Valley is the gateway to exceptional outdoor adventures. A drive through town offers numerous views of the sparkling Ausable River and lofty peaks. Shop for farm-fresh treats and Adirondack-inspired gifts in businesses full of small-town charm, or leave civilization behind on a hiking trail or on a guided fly fishing experience. Keene Valley is the sort of town where you naturally slow down, relax, and enjoy.
Must-see attractions and activities:
- Visit The Mountaineer for the best in outdoor adventure gear, books, and pro advice!
- Discover why the Noon Mark Diner is legendary for it's pie!
- Go take a hike! Rooster Comb Mountain offers beautiful scenery with moderate effort.
Keene
Crowned “The Home of the High Peaks,” Keene has the highest density of mountains over 4,000 feet in the state. Amongst them is Mt. Marcy, the tallest in New York, standing at 5,343 feet. Famous for more than just it’s towering height, Mt. Marcy was where Theodore Roosevelt was hiking when he first learned of President McKinley’s death. Speckled with quaint shops, cafes, and inns that will make you feel like a local, Keene is a charming town surrounded by unforgettable views.
Must-see attractions and activities:
- Stroll through the Keene Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts.
- Cool off with big views (and a picnic!) at the Cascade Lakes.
- Fill up your breadbasket with everything from ready to cook meals to fresh bread and cupcakes at Cedar Run Bakery!
Code of Conduct & Safety
The following is the IRONMAN Team's official Athlete Code of Conduct.
As a guest of the Adirondack Region to ride or race on my bike, I commit to the following when enjoying this great place to visit:
Sportsmanship I will practice good sportsmanship and conduct myself in a professional manner at all times when on my bike and riding in the ADK.
Conduct I will refrain from physical abuse to any person while riding or at an event. Use of foul language towards any person while riding or at an event. I will abstain from making obscene gestures or taking malicious action directed to any persons while riding. I understand that reoccurring, reckless behavior puts other cyclists at risk damages the cycling culture.
Safety & Laws I will obey all traffic regulations as enforced by all relevant local authorities while on individual or group training rides or as instructed during sanctioned races. I will maintain a “safety first” mentality on the road at all times.I understand that cycling guests of the region must be conscious of their role as ambassadors to the non-cycling and recreational cycling communities. Failure to abide by traffic laws, if observed by the public, can be extremely detrimental to the culture of cycling and may cause future access to be revoked for the community.
As a guest to the region I commit to be a good steward of the roads I ride on, the properties I pull over at, and while enjoying the services offered to me by this great cycling region. I commit to leave the region in better condition than I found it and to treat the residents who maintain this great area for us with the utmost respect.