1812 Challenge Weekend

About the Event

The 1812 Challenge Weekend in Sackets Harbor, New York, United States will take place from June 27 to 28, 2026. This event is a celebration of over a decade of The Challenge, offering participants a mix of new and beloved races across four distances.
On race day, the air feels crisp with a light breeze blowing through the region as the sun casts its warmth on the early morning landscape. Sackets Harbor, known for its rich history and community spirit, transforms into an energetic hub where runners gather to form a vibrant tapestry of participants from all walks of life. The brewery serves as the starting point for Saturday's 5K run and 5 Mile race, with the Brewery serving as both a launchpad and a finish line, celebrating the local flavor and camaraderie.
The 1812 Challenge Weekend has its roots deeply embedded in the history of Sackets Harbor. Over the years, it has become a tradition for locals and visitors alike to come together, not just to run but also to honor the spirit of resilience that defines this community. With over 500 participants expected each year, the event is crucial both as a fundraiser for local charities and as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for running.
The course layout presents a variety of terrains including firm yet slightly soft paths that wind through historic neighborhoods and scenic trails. The route begins at Sackets Harbor Battlefield before meandering through the quaint streets, passing by the picturesque Brewery where runners can take in the community's lively spirit. At key points along the way, there are several aid stations offering water and snacks to keep participants hydrated and fueled.
The elevation profile features a gradual ascent that provides scenic views of the surrounding landscape as well as challenging sections that test endurance. Runners will find themselves passing by familiar landmarks such as the Sackets Harbor Battlefield Park on their journey through the event's specially marked route, which is detailed in maps available online.
Weather conditions for June typically bring temperatures ranging from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius with a high humidity level of around 76%. Runners should prepare for partly cloudy skies and occasional light showers. It’s advisable to dress in layers and carry lightweight rain gear just in case.

Kids Run
0.5 Miles • Start: 15:15:00 • Fee: $0.00

5K
3.1 Miles • Start: 15:30:00 • Fee: $19.00

5 Miler
5 Miles • Start: 16:15:00 • Fee: $24.00

18.12 Challenge
18.12 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $68.00

Freedom Challenge: 5K and 5M and 18.12 (26.22 total, marathon-equivalent)
26.22 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $96.00

Independence Challenge: 5 Miler and 18.12
23.12 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $82.00

VICTORY CHALLENGE: 5K and 18.12
21.22 Miles • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $77.00

Colonial Challenge: 5K and 5 Miler and Half Marathon
21.3 Miles • Start: 07:45:00 • Fee: $81.00

Half Marathon
13.1 Miles • Start: 07:45:00 • Fee: $48.00

Militia Challenge: 5 Miler and Half Marathon
18.1 Miles • Start: 07:45:00 • Fee: $62.00

PATRIOT CHALLENGE: 5K and 13.1
16.2 Miles • Start: 07:45:00 • Fee: $57.00

Liberty Challenge: 5K and 5 Miler
8.2 Miles • Start: 15:30:00 • Fee: $38.00

For registration, visit the official website at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/SacketsHarbor/1812Challenge or contact Confluence Running North Country directly. Fees vary based on distance chosen; early bird discounts are available until a specific date which can be found on their site. Bib pickup is also conveniently located in Watertown and Sackets Harbor, with designated times to ensure a smooth process for all participants.
The race starts at 8 am sharp from the Sackets Harbor Battlefield, making sure runners have ample time to warm up before taking off into the morning mist. Age requirements range widely but generally cater to both seasoned athletes and first-timers looking to experience their first 5K or longer distance run. The event organizers are dedicated to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
The 1812 Challenge Weekend on June 27, 2026, in Sackets Harbor will offer runners the chance to commemorate this historic weekend with friends and family while supporting local causes through participation fees. With a variety of distances from half marathons down to kids runs, there's something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to contribute to your community’s rich tradition of running and celebration!

Races Offered

Kids Run

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 0.5 Miles

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Type — Running

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15:15

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$0.00

5K

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 3.1 Miles

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Type — Running

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15:30

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$19.00

5 Miler

Jun 27, 2026

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Distance — 5 Miles

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Type — Running

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16:15

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$24.00

18.12 Challenge

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 18.12 Miles

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Type — Running

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07:30

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$68.00

Freedom Challenge: 5K and 5M and 18.12 (26.22 total, marathon-equivalent)

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 26.22 Miles

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Type — Running

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07:30

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$96.00

Independence Challenge: 5 Miler and 18.12

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 23.12 Miles

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Type — Running

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07:30

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$82.00

VICTORY CHALLENGE: 5K and 18.12

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 21.22 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:30

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$77.00

Colonial Challenge: 5K and 5 Miler and Half Marathon

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 21.3 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:45

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$81.00

Half Marathon

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 13.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:45

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$48.00

Militia Challenge: 5 Miler and Half Marathon

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 18.1 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:45

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$62.00

PATRIOT CHALLENGE: 5K and 13.1

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 16.2 Miles

terrain

Type — Running

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07:45

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$57.00

Liberty Challenge: 5K and 5 Miler

Jun 28, 2026

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Distance — 8.2 Miles

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Type — Running

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15:30

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$38.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Sackets Harbor.

thermostat Temperature

15.0° / 23.3°

wb_sunny Feels like

13.5° / 22.8°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

11h 23m

water_drop Avg rainfall

4.4 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

12.2 km/h (Gentle breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Moderate

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Very High (8.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

75.8%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:22

nightlight Sunset

20:46

About Sackets Harbor

Learn more about the host city, Sackets Harbor.

Sackets Harbor is a village of 1450 people on Lake Ontario in Northern New York. It was a naval base which withstood two Canadian attacks in battles during the War of 1812; its arch-nemesis was the British fortification at Kingston in Upper Canada.