Set in the picturesque backdrop of New York's Finger Lakes Wine Country, the Highlander Cycle Tour returns for its 25th run on August 25, 2024. This annual charity bicycle tour maneuvers through the magnificent terrains and breathtaking landscapes of the Canandaigua Lake region, with course options ranging from 30 to 100 miles. The fabled courses, known as 40K MTB, 63 miles, 67 miles, 38 miles, and 100 miles, are renowned for their varying degrees of difficulty, from family-friendly bike rides to challenging routes that include ascents exceeding 10,000 feet. The event is expected to provide cyclists with some of the most exhilarating rides in North America and contributes to the vibrant autumn celebrations, aligning with the Bristol Mountain Oktoberfest this year.

The Twisted Branch Trail Run, to be held on August 24, 2024, is a 100k ultra trail race in Naples, New York. This race takes runners through the most brutal and beautiful places in the Finger Lakes region, providing a truly organic and challenging experience.The course, aptly described as \"100% organic brutality\", is free from artificialities. Its elements are all-natural, giving runners an authentic test of their endurance skills. Additionally, the Twisted Branch Trail Run acts as a qualifying event for some of the prestigious global trail races, namely the Western States Endurance Run and UTMB, further emphasizing its challenging nature.Offering camping for all runners and volunteers, some added highlights include going from the Chosen Place to the Crooked Lake, and passing through wild spaces in between the lakes. Time to gear up and get ready to face the challenges of this relentless course.

The Prince Edward County Gran Fondo, a highly-anticipated cycling event, gears up to return on September 7, 2024. Located in the beautiful region of Ontario, this race captivates the hearts of cyclists and spectators alike with its diverse range of course lengths–50km, 100km, and 150km–adapted to the participants' skill levels and endurance. From whizzing through the tranquil scenes of Prince Edward County to bejeweled vineyards and fabled villages such as Milford, Picton, and Wellington, this event is as scenic as it is challenging.Being dubbed as the ‘Montauk, NY, with California’s Napa Valley circa 1970’, a testament to the sheer natural beauty and appeal of the county, the race has carved its name among the topmost cycle racing events globally. Riders are expected to experience unparalleled support, camaraderie, and post-ride festivities that punctuate this extraordinary sporting event in Ontario.

Step into both the beauty of nature and the world of endurance racing with the Slate Run 25K trail run. Hosted in the picturesque city of Cedar Run, Pennsylvania on June 1, 2024, athletes will traverse a challenging 25-kilometer treks enhanced by the region's natural beauty. This event, a part of the unique array of races offered by the PA Trail Dogs, gives participants the chance to pit their stamina against the rugged allure of Slate Run's terrain. Whether you're an experienced trail runner or looking for a potent test of your fitness, the Slate Run 25K provides a distinct challenge that marries sportsmanship with appreciation for the great outdoors.

The unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley is a highly anticipated annual gravel biking race that tests participants with a variety of distance options: 18, 30, 50, 96, or a rigorous 126 miles. Nestled in the picturesque town of Lewisburg, in Pennsylvania, this race offers both a challenging course and a breathtaking blend of nature and history for riders to enjoy. Scheduled to take place on October 13, 2024, the unPAved is the perfect blend of physical challenge and scenic beauty, attracting cyclists from across the globe to conquer the gravel under the colors of fall in Pennsylvania's Susquehanna River Valley.

The Epic Tour GranFondo, set in the picturesque city of Milton, Ontario, attracts cyclists from around the globe for a unique blend of picturesque landscape and demanding course options. Slated for September 10, 2023, the event sees cyclists tackle various course distances ranging from 50 km to a staggering 180 km. The beautifully scenic routes traverse through North Burlington and Flamborough, taking cyclists on a journey north of the 401. With fully supported rest stops, mobile mechanics, and pickup support, the GranFondo ensures every participant's needs are adequately catered to, making it a premier cycling event in the region.

The city of Palmerton, Pennsylvania, is excited to host the eagerly anticipated Blue Burn Trail Challenge on March 1, 2024. This event sees participants trail run for a challenging distance of 5 miles. The region is renowned for its picturesque trails and rugged terrains, which provide athletes with a perfect balance of beauty and challenge. This race is not just a test of physical endurance, but mental resilience too, making it one of the most exciting events in trail running. As its name suggests, the Blue Burn Trail Challenge is sure to leave participants with a sense of accomplishment and the fiery determination to aim for higher goals.

Mark your calendars for March 1, 2024, as the town of Mechanicville, New York gears up for the Malta 2K, 3K, 5K Trail Race. Packed with challenges and breathtaking insights into nature, this sporting event comprises three runs: the 2K and 3K Kids Trail Run, and the more demanding 5K Trail Run/Hike.The race offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the natural beauty of the region's best-maintained trails at 100 Acre Woods, crafted largely out of stone dust. The mesmerizing path, known for its wide, soft terrain, promises a beautiful journey throughout the race. Organizers Roundabout Runners Club are well lauded for their efforts in maintaining these trails, and interestingly, all proceeds from the event are directed towards supporting the club's trail upkeep activities. Whether you're an avid runner, a leisurely hiker or a nature enthusiast, the Malta Trail Race guarantees an unforgettable experience.

The Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon, set to take place on May 25, 2024, in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, promises a unique and challenging experience for endurance athletes. Offering a range of courses including a marathon, 15-miler, 5K, and a 26-mile relay race, this event caters to participants with varied levels of expertise. Athletes can anticipate diverse terrains as they engage in a mix of running, trail running, and cycling races that offer the quintessential adrenaline rush of Pennsylvania’s outdoors. The Chernisky Ghost Town Trail-a-thon also takes inclusivity into consideration with an Athletes with Disabilities division, upholding its commitment to embracing all non-motorized support devices in the 5K race. With its dedication to making racing an accessible sport for all, this event exemplifies a marathon of distance and a testament to the enduring spirit of athletic competition.

The Gatineau Loppet, a renowned cross-country skiing event, is gearing up for its 2024 edition held on the 17th of February in the skiing heartland of Quebec. With race distances of 10km, 15km, 27km, 50km, and 51km on offer, it is perfectly calibrated to challenge racers of every skill level. Known for its sweeping courses through the serene Quebec countryside, this high-octane ski race draws cross-country enthusiasts from across the world for an experience that blends intense competition with the serene beauty of Quebec's winter landscape. Fast becoming a fixture on world ski race calendar, the Gatineau Loppet invites all adrenaline-addicted adventurers to take on this Nordic challenge.

Highlander Cycle Tour

Courses

Location

Don't Miss Another Bucketlist Race

Races you might like