13 events in Jefferson County, New York

Encompass Recreation is proud to again offer an Art Club for exceptional youth, ages 2 through high school.

Thanks to our sponsor, D2 Accounting, this program is free to exceptional participants.

Class Dates + Times:

Jan 3rd 10-12

Feb 14th 10-12

Mar 7th 9:30-12

Apr 4th 10-12

May 2nd 10-12

June 6th 10-12

Oct 3rd 10-12

Nov 7th 10-12

Dec 5th 10-12

Class Location: Evans Mills Public Library at 8706 Noble Street, Evans Mills, NY 13637

Due to limited space for each class, if at any point in time you are unable to attend a session you've registered for, please inform us at [email protected]

THE WINTER SOLDIER

Registration for the DENFIT Winter Soldier is now live.

Test your mettle against the elements as you run along the icy St. Lawrence!

Cape Vincent Recreation Park

602 S James St

Cape Vincent, NY 13618

Choose between 10k - Half Marathon - Full Marathon. The course is a flat fast out-and-back from Rec Park to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse. The 10k is a single lap (with a slightly modified route), Half Marathon is two laps, and Full Marathon is four laps.

Runners will have access to HOT shower facilities and plenty of room to spread out within Rec Park building.

Inside, light refreshments will be provided while outside, runners will be able to enjoy a roaring fire and music! The Lighthouse turn around will have a sheltered aid station to provide water and food for runners along with toilet facilities.

Upon course completion, each runner will receive a medal, t-shirt and for those brave enough to run the full marathon...the highly coveted DENFIT SPEAR, which is also getting a new design for this year!!

DENFIT

Become More

The Full Marathon will be LIMITED to 100 RUNNERS, while the total participation cap will be 200 runners. This probably seems like a high cap and that there will be plenty of time to sign up, but I have a sneaking suspicion that this might sell-out, so don't put off registration until the very last minute.

Prices will also increase, so if you want to take advantage of the best pricing, sign up soon and reserve your spot NOW.

Parking will be a minimal walk to event area. Parking is free - but as you park, I'm asking runners to make a small donation of any size to a local non-profit organization that is TBD.

*For handicap & special needs parking, please contact the race

Given the unpredictability of the weather, runners are required to have a safety light or strobe with them should the forecast shift to whiteout conditions. And while there will be plenty of opportunities to use an aid station, personal hydration is strongly recommended.

Prizes, contests, rewards will all roll out as we get closer to the event.

There will be a "Quick Drop Tent" next to the start line for runners who want to keep gear outside to switch out without having to go into the building!

Just as before, THERE WILL BE NO WEATHER CANCELLATIONS* (unless a NYS-issued travel ban is in effect).

There will most likely be snow.

There will most likely be wind.

We may even get a blizzard.

Prepare accordingly.

After all, this is the Winter Soldier.

Back again, and bigger than last year!

Join us for the 2026 Cinco de Mayo Celebration 5K/10K, a festive event of community, fitness, and North Country fun! Whether you're chasing a PR, walking or jogging with friends, or just looking for a fun reason to get moving, there's a place for you at the start. Our 5K and 10K routes are designed to be enjoyable and welcoming, guiding you through the Village of Philadelphia and the scenic countryside. Then bring it home to the finish line for raffles and a Walking Taco. The energy from last year ripples into this event.

New this year, we have the Little Amigos Mile that will take place just before the 5K/10K start.

All proceeds benefit Indian River Ambulance Service.

Take in the famous views of the Thousand Islands and Thousand Islands bridge. Once again, we will be offering the 5K on Friday evening at the Thousand Islands Winery in Alexandria Bay. On Saturday, we will offer the 10K and Half Marathon on Wellesley Island along with the post-race festivities and awards ceremony. If you are feeling ambitious, you are more than welcome to consider the Island Double (5K & 10K) or the Island Super Double (5K & 13.1M). This event is part The Get Fit Half Marathon Series.

For 2026 we are returning to the Lake Course Executive Club House (21496 Club House Dr.) for the start/finish for Saturdays Half Marathon & 10K similar to years 2020-2023 & 2025.

Great views, great courses...always best swag plus we get to help the great people of Alexandria Bay as well as the ACS Booster Club!

The Lake Monster 5k, 12K, and 1.5 mile walk begins at Chaumont's newest park, Veteran's Memorial Park at 12200 NYS Route 12E. (Next to Wise Guy's Restaurant)

Runners then make their way to Point Salubrious for a 5K out and back or 12K loop along the scenic Lake Ontario shoreline with views of Guffin, Sawmill and Chaumont Bay, as well as Cherry Island. A 1.5 mile walk will follow the same direction as the 5K and will also be out and back. Our Lake Monster logo was designed by a Lyme Central School student, Rosamond Hunt. The creature is A Great Blue Heron, Osprey and Northern Pike hybrid and represents the lush Great Lakes wildlife. Proceeds will benefit Lyme Parks and Recreation.

DATE: The timed road race and walk will start at 9 am on Sunday May 24th.

REGISTRATION FEE AND T-SHIRTS: Pre-registration includes a t-shirt until April 30th. After April 30th, registration will will not include a t-shirt. Limited t-shirts will be available for purchase on race day. 1.5 mile walk is not timed. All registrations, including day of will be online only. No paper or cash will be accepted.

ADDITIONAL RACE INFORMATION: There will be restroom facilities available, but no showers.

COURSE MAPS: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/18973480346?share_unique_id=2

*Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers in both the 5k and 12K. The top male and female winner in the 12k will be awarded the lake monster trophy!

*See our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/lakemonster5k12k for all updates and changes.

Come celebrate the official start of Summer 2026 with us as we kick off the season with a fun and rewarding 5K in beautiful Sackets Harbor, NY. This event coincides with the Summer Solstice on Saturday, June 20th. Join us as we usher in the beauty and warmth the new summer ahead. The 5K course is mostly flat with spectacular views of Lake Ontario as you make your way along the 3.1 mile trek. Expect more that just a 5K run as we are teaming up with the 1812 Brewing Co., the Whiskey Coop and The Boathouse to extend the fun beyond the run!

Willow Running USA is teaming up with the Garrett W. Loomis Foundation, a 501c-3 committed to enhancing Fire Safety regionally in the memory of Garrett.

Join us if you love to run, love to have fun and especially if you love the sun!

5K Course Map

The 1812 Challenge Weekend continues! Join us in celebrating over a decade of The Challenge with a new exciting race and two new challenges, and a weekend of fun for yourself, your group, or the whole family!

Choose from FOUR distances, with a 5K and 5 Mile race starting and ending at the Brewery on Saturday. Then join us on Sunday for the 18.12 Challenge and Half Marathon you know and love!

Looking for an extra challenge? Register to participate in the Patriot Challenge (5K and Half Marathon) or the Victory Challenge (5K + 18.12 Challenge) or the Liberty Challenge (5K + 5M) or the Freedom Challenge (5K + 5M + 18.12 (26.22 total, marathon-equivalent) ! Finishers of these challenges will receive an additional medal or pin to commemorate your achievement.

PACKET PICKUP FOR ALL RACES

Friday, June 26th

Location: Confluence Running North Country (1035 Arsenal St, Watertown)

10 am - 6 pm

Saturday, June 27th

Location: 1812 Brewing Company

11:30 - 3 pm (look for the Confluence Running Tent)

Sunday, June 28th

Location: Sackets Harbor Battlefield

6:30 - 7:30 am (look for the Confluence Tent)

5K Course Map

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2612416?units=miles

Half Marathon Course

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1930617?units=km

1812 Challenge Course

https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1947481?units=km

What better way to celebrate our nations birthday than with a run!

Picture it: running down the street on the morning of July 4th with dozens of other people all carrying an American flag!

The DENFIT1776 annual run is to honor and acknowledge the men and women who founded our nation, doing so with grit, determination, and perseverance. It is our American heritage to be able-bodied and demonstrate courage in the face of adversity.

Runners will have TWO event options to choose from and will start at 7:00am on July 4th: 1776 7.76mi, and 17.76mi Challenge. The course starts from Cape Vincent East End Park and is a scenic route through the village of Cape Vincent and along the river to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse - a very flat and fast 7.76mi bringing runners back to the start line. From there, 1776Challenge runners will start a second lap. All fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to participate. Run and walk at your own pace while enjoying the view of the river and our quaint village!

EVENT Options (be sure to read requirements below):

1776 7.76mi - a quick "out-and-back" lap while carrying an American flag of any size or dressing in red, white, and blue!

1776Challenge - 17.76mi (two laps) while carrying a 3x5 American flag on a pole the ENTIRE distance

REQUIREMENTS

All runners must provide an American flag and will be asked to display it as they run 7.76mi. It can be ANY size (such as a small cemetery flag...but the bigger the better). Stick a small flag in a pocket of a running vest; carry a small pole... whatever you choose, a flag must be on display.

For runners who take up the Challenge option and want to earn the coveted DENFIT CUSTOM SPEAR:

it must be a 3x5 flag on a pole and carried for the entire 17.76mi distance.

To guarantee your t-shirt sizing, register BEFORE 06/16/2026

This run is largely self-supported with one aid station located at the lighthouse turn around.

Course closes at 11am

Every participant receives a t-shirt and medal and will be provided light refreshments upon completing the course.

After the event, stick around for '4th of July Bike Parade', taking place also at Rec Park as the 1776 concludes. Watch as over a hundred kids carrying flags make their way through town on their bicycles!

The Thousand Island Park 5K, or TIP5K, is a memorial footrace to honor the memory of General TJ "Demon" Costello, who served as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. This race started at a family reunion in 2013 and has grown to include the local community of TI Park. It's a small, family-oriented race that welcomes all levels of participation. Walkers and strollers are welcomed! Although, be advised that the course covers dirt roads, grassy lawns, and one trail. Also, the route will be poorly marked, open to traffic, and the timing crew will consist of a couple of teenagers with an iPhone. No timing chips here! So, your official time will likely be wrong, if it's recorded at all. However, I can guarantee a great scenic run, good times and camaraderie, and maybe a cold drink or two at the finish line.