Swain Mountain Race

Swain Mountain Race

The Suffer Fest known as Swain Mountain Race is Back on August 7th!! SMR is a mountain/trail race that will cover approximately 6.5 miles up and down the Swain Ski Slopes with nearly 2500ft of elevation gain. This race won’t be easy but we can promise it will be epic with lots and lots of steep climbs and descents, so embrace the challenge. The race course consists of 2 Loops, the first loop is approximately 1.8 miles and climbs mile sweep. The second loop is approximately 4.8 miles and ascends up some of Swain's most challenging climbs including Clark and Upper Robinson.

Post Race Festivities

• Cheer in Runners: Enjoy food, drinks, and fun!

USATF Niagara Mountain Championships

• Event: Swain Mountain Race will serve as the 2027 USATF Niagara Open and Masters Mountain Association Championships.
• Qualification: The race will also be part of the 2027 USATF Niagara Runner Of The Year Series and Team Grand Prix Series.
• Hiking Poles: Due to the sanctioning of this USATF event, hiking poles are prohibited.
• Discount: Any 2026 USATF member will receive a $10 discount when you use your membership number when pre-registering online.

Registration

Price increases as it gets closer to race day so sign up early!

Packet Pickup

• Location: Race Day at the Swain Ski Resort
• Time: 7:30am - 8:15am

Race Start

Race starts at 8:30am!!!

USATF Niagara Overall Awards

(Must be a 2026 USATF Niagara Member)

• Overall (M/F): 1st $200, 2nd $100, 3rd $75
• Masters (M/F): 1st $75, 2nd $50

Swain Mountain Race Age Group Awards

• Categories: Top 3 (M/F): 19 and U, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+
• 1st place: $40 Gift Card to the Rochester Running Company.
• 2nd place: $20 Gift Card to the Rochester Running Company.
• 3rd place: $10 Gift Card to the Rochester Running Company.

Robinson Climb

The Robinson Climb consists of Upper and Lower Robinson which is the race's final climb and is one of Swain’s most challenging climbs. We will have split mats down at the bottom and top of the climb. The Fastest Male and Female that run this climb will win a $50 Gift Card sponsored by Rochester Running Company. Robinson is approximately .35 miles with 500ft+ of gain: its average grade is 25%. It’s not the hardest and steepest climb in the world but it will be a challenge! Want to just get up the Robinson Climb? Not worried about how fast you go? We will be giving away a Nathan’s Hand held water bottle for the slowest climb of the day! We appreciate everyone that attempts to tackle this race regardless of ability and we are grateful for your race support!

Robinson Descent

Like bombing down hills? The fastest downhill split from the Top of Upper Robinson to the finish will win a $50 gift card sponsored by Rochester Running Company!

Tombstone Redemption

If you have the misfortune of DNFing the race we will honor you by making a tombstone with your name on it and the race year you DNF. It will then be on display at next year’s race. If you ever come back and then finish the race you will redeem yourself by winning your tombstone back!

Sponsors

• USATF Niagara
• Rochester Running Company
• Bergen Elite
• Once Again Nut Butter
• Wegmans

More Information

Visit the race page for further details: Swain Mountain Race