New date offers colorful change for athletes

[img:wfhwy.jpg]Wilmington, New York - The Whiteface Business and Tourism Center (WBTC) is pleased to announce a colorful date change to mark the 35th Annual Whiteface Uphill Foot Race. The 2012 race is scheduled on September 22; a full two seasons later than usual.

For its first 34 years, the popular uphill foot race was run during the month of June. Organizers sought to move the race to the fall season to distinguish the historic event from the much newer Whiteface Bike Fest, including the Whiteface Uphill Bike Race, which is also held in June.

"The date change will greatly benefit the athletes," said Susan Hockert, president of the WBTC. "By moving the race to September, runners will be rewarded at the top with both a medal and 360 degree views of the Adirondack High Peaks, all decked out in the spectacular reds, oranges, yellows of peak foliage season."

Whiteface Mountain Uphill Foot Racers climb 3,500 feet up the scenic Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway to the top of New York's 5th highest peak for a 360 degree panoramic view of the Adirondacks, New England and Canada.

Information regarding the race,including lodging and other resources can be found online at www.whitefaceregion.com. 

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About Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway

Automobiles and bicycles are able to climb 3,500 feet up the scenic Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway to the top of New York's 5th highest peak for a 360 degree panoramic view of the Adirondacks, New England and Canada.

Pre-dating the ski area by about 20 years, the road to the summit was dedicated by Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1929, and opened, in 1936, by the same Roosevelt, though this time with a different title: President. Natural wildflowers grow roadside, a living museum of forest ecology. Anorthosite bedrock boulders, over a billion years old, stand by. Along the way up are nine designated spots where you are encouraged to stop to enjoy the view and discover more about the mountain surroundings from the posted information signs.

The Toll House Area
An alpine-style gatehouse, constructed in 1934, and Lake Stevens, a small, pristine pond, give the Highway a picturesque start. Lake Stevens, named for 1932 Olympian bobsledder Hubert Stevens, is stocked annually to provide fishing opportunities, especially for children and visitors with disabilities, though its scenic beauty and picnic areas ought to be enjoyed by all. The Lake Stevens Tree Trail offers a self-guided, 10-minute walk around the pond. All 34 species of trees native to the northern Adirondacks (14 conifer and 20 hardwoods) can be found on this short nature trail.