Swain Mountain Race

Swain Mountain Race

Swain Mountain Race takes place on August 1, 2026, at Swain Ski Resort, 2275 County Road 24, Swain, NY 14884. Entry price is listed as $50 and online registration opens March 30, 2026. Packet pickup is available on race day at the Swain ski resort. The event is organised as a mountain/trail race on ski slopes and includes post-race food and drinks.

Course and competition

The course covers steep climbs and descents with nearly 2,500 ft of total elevation gain. The layout is two loops and includes named climbs such as Clark and Upper Robinson.

• 6.5 miles total, nearly 2,500 ft elevation gain
• 1.8 miles first loop
• 4.8 miles second loop
• 0.35 miles Robinson climb - about 500 ft+ gain, average grade 25%

Split timing mats will be used at the bottom and top of the Robinson climb. Hiking poles are prohibited for this sanctioned event.

Championships, awards and notable rules

The race will serve as the 2026 USATF Niagara Open and Masters Mountain Association Championships and is part of the 2026 USATF Niagara Runner of the Year Series and Team Grand Prix Series. Registered USATF members for 2026 receive a $10 discount when using their membership number during online pre-registration. Age-group awards are given to the top three (male and female) in standard age categories (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+). Additional prizes are awarded for top age-group finishes and the fastest uphill and downhill splits on the Robinson section. The event records and displays tombstones for participants who DNF, with a memorial redemption policy for later finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.