The Fools' Ultra
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The Fools' Ultra: Revenge of Champy
The Fools' Ultra is a series of foot races across New York State that follow a long eastward route ending on Lake Champlain. The route passes classic Adirondack villages including Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake and finishes along Lake Champlain near the Samuel Champlain statue and the bridge to Vermont. The series begins in western New York and uses a mix of public roads and local routes between towns.
Distances offered include:
- 420 miles: starts at Niagara Falls, 13 days, about 32 miles per day.
- 200 miles: starts on the shore of Lake Ontario, 8 days, about 28 miles per day.
- 100 miles: starts on the beach at Cranberry Lake, 2 days, about 33 miles per day.
- 50 miles: starts near the Lake Placid ski jump complex, 24 hours.
Racers are split into two categories with twice daily check-ins. The Un-Afraid category is self-supported; participants must carry what they need and cannot rely on stored items from race staff. Some overnight accommodations are provided as part of specific entries; for example, Un-Afraid entries on longer routes include hotel nights in specified towns, and the 200 mile entry includes a provided lunch stop at Sackett’s Harbor. Afraid runners may use crews and are allowed to meet near Port Henry and follow the race bus route; crews and crewed racers are not provided hotel rooms by the race. The event policy states there are no refunds or deferrals for any entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
