2026 Fire and Ice Winter Run
The 2026 Fire and Ice Winter Run is scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Gilbert Lake State Park in New Lisbon, New York. The event will take place in a winter wonderland, with snow and ice expected throughout the day. Participants will navigate a 6+ mile loop through wooded trails, gravel paths, and short road sections, with elevation gain of approximately 625 feet per lap. The race offers multiple distances, with aid stations providing hot coffee, food, water, and indoor warmth at the lakeside cabin. The 50k race has a generous sunset cutoff to accommodate slower paces in winter conditions.
What is the 2026 Fire and Ice Winter Run?
The 2026 Fire and Ice Winter Run is a winter trail and mixed-terrain race held at Gilbert Lake State Park in New Lisbon, New York. The event features a 6+ mile loop with elevation gain, combining single-track and double-track forest trails, gravel paths, and short road sections. The race is designed to be a challenging and scenic experience through the winter landscape of the state park.
What distances are available for this event?
- →50k: 5 full loops starting at 7:00 AM
- →25k: 2 full loops plus a partial third loop starting at 8:00 AM
- →10k: 1 full loop starting at 8:30 AM
What is the course like?
The course consists of a 6+ mile loop with approximately 625 feet of elevation gain per lap. Runners will traverse single-track and double-track forest trails, gravel paths, and short road sections. Snow and ice are expected, and participants may use snowshoes or traction devices depending on conditions.
What is the expected weather on the event date?
The event is expected to take place in cold winter conditions, with snow and ice likely throughout the day. Participants are advised to prepare for low temperatures and potentially challenging trail conditions.
What is included in the registration?
All participants will have access to aid stations offering hot coffee, food, water, and indoor warmth from fireplaces. The aid is centralized at the lakeside cabin, which runners pass through at the end of each loop.
What are the race start times?
- →50k: 7:00 AM
- →25k: 8:00 AM
- →10k: 8:30 AM
What is the registration fee for this event?
- →50k: $45
- →25k: $35
- →10k: $30
What is the check-in time for the event?
Check-in begins at 6:00 AM at Briggs Pavilion, the registration location at Gilbert Lake State Park.
What awards are given to participants?
Finishers will receive a commemorative coffee mug. Special awards are also given to the overall male, female, and masters winners.
What is the charity associated with this event?
All net proceeds from the 2026 Fire and Ice Winter Run benefit The Neighborhood Center, a nonprofit organization that provides childcare, family services, and mental health support in the region.
What equipment is recommended for the event?
Participants are advised to use trail shoes for packed surfaces. Microspikes, Yaktrax, or running snowshoes are recommended for icy or deep-snow conditions. Waterproof and windproof socks, along with layered clothing, are strongly advised due to the cold weather.