Montezuma Festival Of Races 2026

The Montezuma Festival Of Races 2026 takes place on June 7, 2026, in Savannah, New York, situated within the scenic Finger Lakes / Central New York region. Hosted at the Montezuma Audubon Center on the edge of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, the event features a series of running races including a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Participants can expect warm early June weather typical of the region, with courses that traverse paved country roads and offer glimpses of the surrounding wetland scenery.

What is the schedule for the running events?

All running races take place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, with the following start times:

• →Half marathon: 8:00 AM EST
• →10K: 8:15 AM EST
• →5K: 8:30 AM EST

What distances are available for the running races?

• →Half marathon: 13.1 miles (mostly road with approximately 2 miles of packed dirt trails)
• →10K: 6.2 miles (road only)
• →5K: 3.1 miles (road only)

What is the course terrain like for each distance?

• →Half marathon: This course is mostly comprised of paved country roads in low-density areas around Savannah. It includes a short, firm section of packed dirt trails that skirt the outskirts of Howland Island. The 2026 layout is designed to be "feet-friendly" and faster by avoiding long stone-gravel access roads. You can view the route on MapMyRun ↗.
• →10K: This race is held entirely on paved country roads in Savannah. You can view the route on MapMyRun ↗.
• →5K: This race is run entirely on paved roads. You can view the route on MapMyRun ↗.

Are there any other events held during the festival?

• →Yes, there is a separate "Island 25/15" bike event held on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

What should runners prepare for regarding weather and hydration?

• →Early June in Savannah, NY, tends to be warm.
• →Multiple aid stations and onsite medical support will be available.
• →Runners are encouraged to bring hydration belts or handheld bottles to manage the temperature.

What cause does this event support?

• →The event supports Friends of Montezuma, an organization dedicated to wildlife management, habitat restoration, and education within the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. 100% of donations go directly to this nonprofit.