2 events in City of Ithaca, New York

Get ready for one of Ithaca’s most iconic spring traditions—the 43rd Annual Skunk Cabbage Classic! Choose between the 10K and half-marathon courses that wind through the Cornell campus, along a scenic paved rail trail, and into the rolling countryside of Ellis Hollow. This is your chance to join hundreds of runners in celebrating the start of spring as the skunk cabbages emerge.

Since this is our 43rd running—and 43 is a prime number—we leaned into the obvious opportunity: Skunktimus Prime. Inspired by the iconic leader of the Transformers, our skunk mascot has morphed into a towering running robot for 2026, complete with bold comic styling and a rallying cry for all of us: RUNBOTS, ROLL OUT!

Whether you’re chasing a PR or just want to enjoy a massive group run with friends, the Skunk Cabbage Classic promises a welcoming atmosphere and pre- and -post-race activities in the warmth of Cornell’s Barton Hall. Don’t panic—sign up today and be part of the fun!

It's been fun to offer our returners new courses and formats which have highlighted different parts of Ithaca and its surrounding communities. And, first timers, what hopefully will be another day running one of the most beautiful and finest half marathons in the Country. 2025 will be no different. Here's what we're planning:

We'll again start stage from Trumansburg High School, with a Start line on South St. From South St, runners will take a left onto Main St to start a weave through downtown Trumansburg's rolling before beginning to head for Ithaca. They'll pass through the upper tip of Taughannock Falls State Park before reaching the head of the Black Diamond Rail Trail. From there it'll be a steady descent along the hard packed gravel surface to arrive back in Ithaca. Once you emerge it'll be a, hopefully, fast final mile, running north along the Cayuga Lake for a finish in Cass Park.

Note: Course configuration may change.

2026 Course Format / Highlights:

• 2025 (and 2026) Interactive Course Map can be viewed here

• https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2935977?units=miles

• Start on South St in Trumansburg, NY

• Finish along the base of Cayuga Lake in Cass Park in Ithaca

• Use of the Black Diamond Rail Trail

What you'll get:

• Each runner will receive 5 aid stations on course

• Delicious post-race food in to-go format from Fittnell Farms Catering

• Event tech-tee (only guaranteed to those registering before May 1st)

• Event finisher's medal and bottle

• All else that goes into the event including your help in allowing us to donate back to multiple entities each year including high school teams, parks, and fire marshals

Staging Area / Finish Lines:

Starting Line: 2026's running will again start on South St near Main in Trumansburg.

Finish Line: The event will end at Cass Park (701Taughannock Blvd, Ithaca, NY)

Packet Pickup:

Thursday & Friday 12 - 6 @ Finger Lakes Running Co (700 Cascadilla St, Ithaca - Next to Purity)

Saturday from 12 - 6 @ Garrett's Brewing in Trumansburg (1 W Main St, Trumansburg)

Sunday / Raceday from 5:30 - 7:15 @ Trumansburg Central School's Complex (100 Whig St, Trumansburg)

Raceday

Sunday, June 7, 2026

05:30 – 07:00 – Raceday Check-In at Trumansburg High School

05:30 - 06:30 - Race morning finish area parking in targeted zones of Cass Park, Ithaca (adjacent to finish) w/ shuttle buses leaving for start when full.

07:30 - Mass Start on South St (@ Truman St Intersection)

08:40 - First finisher anticipated to reach finish line in Cass Park

09:30 - Shuttle Buses begin transporting finishers back to Trumansburg High School / Start

11:30 - Last finisher anticipated to reach finish line and course closed

12:00 – Catering closed and Park Cleared of Event Staging & Last Shuttle Bus leaves Cass Park for the Start Area

Parking

• Please see the pre-race email (going out by Wednesday June 3) and the event website.