Ironman Lake Placid on July 19

LAKE PLACID – The 27th Ironman Lake Placid will take place on Sunday, July 19 throughout the communities of Lake Placid, Keene, Wilmington, Au Sable Forks, Jay, and Upper Jay. The weekend also includes various events and activities leading up to the race beginning on Thursday, July 16. The annual IronKids Dip-n-Dash event will be on Friday, July 17 at 2pm for those aged 7-17. The IronKids Fun Run is also scheduled on July 17, with four different distances based on age categories between 0-17: the diaper dash, toddler tot trot, half-mile, and one-mile race.

Competitors and their supporters can visit the Ironman village at the Olympic oval, beginning on July 16. The Ironman village offers participants the opportunity to learn about various event sponsors, local attractions and businesses, visit the tech service center, and purchase official Ironman clothing and gear.

The 140.6-mile race begins at 6:15am on July 19. Participants have 17 hours, from the time they begin, to finish the event. The bike and marathon courses take athletes through the day and into the night. 

Ironman Lake Placid welcomes hundreds of volunteers to assist participants before the race, along the course, in changing tents, during transitions, and at the finish line. Those wishing to volunteer for the event should sign up at ironman.com/races/im-lake-placid.

Empire State Trail Drives $1.87B in Economic Activity

ALBANY – The Empire State Trail, the nation’s longest single-state, multi-use trail attracts 9.75 million annual visits, strengthening communities across New York. In a recent statewide economic impact study, the 750-mile Empire State Trail was found to deliver transformative economic, health, and environmental benefits to communities across the state, generating $1.87 billion in economic activity while connecting millions of residents and visitors to safe outdoor recreation.

Stretching from New York City north to Canada and from Albany west to Buffalo, the Empire State Trail is the longest multiuse trail network in the nation. The 750-mile trail spans 26 counties and hundreds of urban, suburban, and rural communities, attracting an estimated 9.75 million visits annually.

In addition to the approximate $1.87 billion in total economic output each year, the report finds the Trail supports 9,680 jobs statewide, produces $640.9 million in annual employee earnings, and generates $206 million in annual state and local tax revenue.

According to the report, every $1 invested in the Empire State Trail generates $5.43 in sales revenue, with off-road trail segments producing four times the economic impact of on-road segments. Each off-road mile contributes $3.9 million in annual economic output while also supporting local jobs and tax revenues.

The study highlights the Trail’s unique ability to drive economic activity in communities that are often underserved by traditional economic development strategies, including small towns, legacy downtowns, and rural corridors. Approximately two-thirds of the Empire State Trail, roughly 540 miles, serves communities identified by Empire State Development as moderately or severely distressed, meaning areas facing elevated poverty, unemployment, or stagnant income levels. 

More than 40% of businesses are investing in bicycle amenities, trail access improvements, and visitor accommodations. Businesses surveyed reported that trail-related visitors account for 26.2% of annual sales. The study also found that proximity to the trail increases residential property values in many communities. 

Trail visitors contribute directly to local economies through spending an average of $30.32 a day on lodging, restaurants, groceries, retail purchases, entertainment, bicycle rentals, and recreation. For more details, visit ptny.org.

Life Is Good Celebrates Founder's Day in Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Life is Good Saratoga is holding a special event celebrating the start of their third season on Broadway in Downtown Saratoga Springs. The event takes place at their location on 486 Broadway from noon until 4pm on Friday, July 10. The event will feature a book signing by Life is Good co-founder John Jacobs as well as giveaways, make your own custom hat, and live music. Whether you are a long-time fan of the Life is Good brand, or are just discovering it and the great philanthropic work they do, this is a celebration not to be missed. 

Life is Good is the original positive lifestyle clothing brand dedicated to spreading the power of optimism through art and message. The company donates more than 10% of annual net profits to The Life is Good Playmaker Project, helping over one-million kids each year.

So come and share the optimism of the brand and we promise that you will leave with a smile on your face along with probably one of their famous t-shirt designs as well: lifeisgoodsaratoga.com.