The Lake Placid Ironman comes into town each year on the third weekend of July. This world class triathlon brings in top athletes from all over the world to compete on the renowned course set in the beautiful Adirondack mountains.
In 2022, the Lake Placid Ironman course was voted the Best Race Venue and 3rd best on Overall Race, Bike Course, Finish Line and Post Race Experience. Traveling from Lake Placid to Keene and on to Wilmington and back, the course allows athletes to enjoy the beauty of the Adirondacks while testing their stamina and endurance.
Lake Placid Ironman – Race Overview
The race starts early morning at Mirror Lake Beach with a 2.4 mile swim over 2 laps on the calm and pristine lake in the heart of Lake Placid. Excitement fills the air as the athletes start to plunge into the lake. Friends and families get up early to cheer on their Lake Placid Ironman athletes. Crowds stay engaged cheering on each swimmer all the way through the final swimming finishers.
As each athlete finishes the swim, excitement continues to build as volunteers help athletes shed their wetsuits. From the beach, they head to the Olympic Oval to grab their bikes and begin the cycling portion of the Lake Placid Ironman triathlon.
Biking out of the Olympic Oval, the athletes begin their 2 lap, 112 mile trek. The course travels from Lake Placid by way of Colden Ave to Sentinel Road (Route 73) where they ride out to Bobsled Run Lane (Mt Van Ho) back to Route 73 then down the Cascades toward Keene, NY. When they reach Keene they turn onto Route 9N where they bike through Upper Jay to Jay and turn toward Wilmington.
When they reach Haselton Road off Route 86, they turn onto it and go to the end and loop back before heading into Wilmington. From the four corners, they head up 86 through the Wilmington Notch. Once back in Lake Placid, they double back at Sentinel Road to turn on to Northwood road and back toward the Mirror Lake beach and the Olympic Oval to begin lap 2.
After the second bike lap, Lake Placid Ironman athletes transition to running after returning to the Olympic Oval. The run course heads down Main Street, turn downs Sentinel Road merging into Cascade Road and continuing past the Olympic Ski Jumps. Downhill from the jumps, the course turns onto River Road for a few miles and doubles back toward the Oval. Runners travel Mirror Lake Drive for a while then turn around again to head back to the Oval and repeat the same route for Lap 2.
The race finishes when runners enter the Oval to complete a final lap around the speed skating track with the crowd roaring and driving them towards the finish line!
Lake Placid Ironman – Where to Stay
The Lake Placid Ironman is an exciting event for locals and visitors, athletes and non-athletes alike. In the days leading up to and including race day, there is a lot to see and experience. This world class race experience is a much sought after race for athletes and an inspiring spectator experience for onlookers.
Whether you are racing or watching, this event is not to be missed! With race day just around the corner, start planning your visit today. Lake Placid and the surrounding area has something to offer for every visitor.
At Adirondack Premier Properties, our office is here to serve. We can help you find the perfect vacation rental property for your Lake Placid Ironman visit. Contact us today!