LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 18 By the time the snow finally melts and the buds start to pop, many in the Adirondacks are itching to get out- side, lace up their running shoes, and feel that trail or pavement underfoot. For local runners, Greg Borzilleri, founder of LPM Events, has something special planned for this spring 2025. Better yet, he has two things. First up is the MayDay10K and 5K-9, a brand-new eve- ning race on Sunday, May 4, that introduces participants to the Adirondack Rail Trail in a festive, pet-friendly, and sustainability-minded way. Just over a month later, Borzilleri and his team host the 20th annual Lake Placid Marathon & Half, a high-en- ergy weekend in June that draws runners from across the Northeast and beyond. While each race has its own vibe, they both reflect Borzilleri's signature mix of community, celebration, and respect for the Adirondack environment. May Day: A brand-new way to hit the trail The May Day 10K and May Day 5K-9, presented by The UPS Store, mark the first-ever official running event on the Adirondack Rail Trail. That alone is reason to cele- brate. Starting at Fowler's Crossing near Saranac Lake and finishing at Bike Lake Placid, the 10K takes place on a firm, mostly unpaved surface and winds its way along one of the region's newest multi-use trail. To reduce waste and preserve the trail, the race will feature cupless water stations, encouraging partici- pants to "Make Haste…Leave No Trace." Shuttles will carry runners from Bike Lake Placid to the start line, and all post-race celebrations — including food, drink, music, and mechanical bull rides ( yes, really) — happen back at the finish. For those looking to run with a furry, four-legged friend, the 5K-9 offers a separate dog-friendly race. This loop course starts and ends at Bike Lake Placid, with a turnaround at the 2.5 km mark. Dog entries are free with a registered human, and yes, there will be special doggie treats waiting at the finish line. (Leashes required. Tail wags encouraged.) A portion of the race proceeds will benefit the Ad- irondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) and the Tri-Lakes Humane Society. Local businesses including The Pick- led Pig, Lake Placid Pub & Brewery, Mirror Lake Boat Rental, and YOUR CBD Store are supporting the event with discounts, food, and goodies for participants. "It's about more than just running," says Borzilleri. "It's about building experiences and giving back to the trails and organizations that make our community bet- ter." Lake Placid Marathon and Half: Celebrating 20 years of miles and memories If the MayDay10K is the new kid on the block, the Lake Placid Marathon & Half is the seasoned veteran— and in 2025, it turns 20 years old. Scheduled for Sunday, June 8, this well-loved road race offers a full marathon, half marathon, and 10K, and it continues to be one of the most picturesque and well-organized races in the Northeast. The course loops through the charming streets of Lake Placid, along the shoreline of Mirror Lake, and plenty of views of Whiteface Mountain, giving runners a healthy dose of scenic distraction from their miles. Over the past two decades, the race has grown to in- clude thousands of runners, both competitive athletes and casual joggers. And while the scale is bigger, the feel remains friend- ly and deeply rooted in the community. "People come for the scenery, but they return be- cause of the atmosphere," says Borzilleri. "We have an incredible volunteer base and a town that really em- braces the race weekend. It's a celebration of move- ment and of this place we all love." Making Strides: Two Signature Spring Running Races Hit Lake Placid By Rhiannon Berry Adsit with photos provided by Lake Placid Marathon

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