Wakely Dam Ultra

Wakely Dam Ultra

The Wakely Dam Ultra is a 55K trail ultramarathon held in the Adirondack Park wilderness on a remote section of the Northville Placid Trail between Piseco Lake and the Wakely Dam. The course is technical and offers about 3300 feet of total elevation gain. The route has no crossroads; when entering at the Wakely Dam there are only two ways out.

The race is totally self-supported, so each runner must provide their own aid during the event. The finish line area is staffed by a crew and there is a post-race meal and gathering for runners and guests. Hiking or walking poles are not permitted at the finish.

Registration for 2026 carries a fee of $115 and includes a race shirt, other swag, and two meals: a pre-race pasta and a post-race party. The registration process requires a validation race record. Acceptable validation options include a road marathon, 50k trail race, or 50 mile finish within specified recent timeframes, or a prior Wakely finish within two years. Credit card information is collected at registration but entrants are not charged until validation is complete. Organizers will allow exceptions for athletes who have qualifying races scheduled in the spring if they contact the race before registration opens.

Packet pickup and pre-race activities take place at the Piseco Airport. Overnight camping or parking at the airport is not allowed. Designated primitive campsites are available at the dam and nearby locations; some nearby private lodging and campgrounds are listed by distance from the airport. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.