18.12 Challenge & Half Marathon

Saturday, August 26, 2023 • Sackets Harbor, NY • Course Map

Also known as America’s “second war for independence,” the War of 1812 was an American victory over British forces in America and Canada. The war began over Native American conflicts in the Northwest Territory and the British encouraging these conflicts.

The war also began because of interference from the British with American shipping. And it wasn’t an easy win — the U.S. suffered massive defeats in the North (the loss of Fort Detroit), and the burning of the White House, the Capitol building and other important government buildings. But despite these setbacks, America emerged victorious.

The war’s last battle, the Battle of Baltimore, resulted in the British deciding they didn’t need to keep fighting this war and fighting Napoleon, so the two nations “agreed to disagree” by signing the Treaty of Ghent. Two of the battles took place in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., the site of the 18.12 Challenge Half Marathon.

To commemorate the war of 1812 and to honor the large military presence in the area (Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division), runners can participate in the 18.12 mile challenge or the half marathon (13.1 miles), both of which will begin and end on the actual historic 1812 battleground overlooking Lake Ontario.

Race Weather & Climate

Nestled along the Black River in upstate New York, about 175 miles northwest of Albany and roughly 300 miles northwest of New York City, Watertown typically sees wet weather in August, with nearly four inches of rain during the month. August weather is typically mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the low 70s.

On race day (Aug. 26), the average low is 53ºF and the average high is 76ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the 18.12 Challenge Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

  • 7:30 AM – 18.12 challenge
  • 7:30 AM – half marathon
  • 8:00 AM – 5K

Fees

  • $65 – $90 for the 18.12 challenge
  • $55 – $80 for the half marathon
  • $25 – $30 for the 5K

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Watertown’s 18.12 Challenge or Half Marathon race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

1812challenge.com

Comments

Ever run in the 18.12 Challenge Race? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: August, New York

1 comment… add one
  • Josette Selover August 8, 2016, 2:33 pm

    Is there transportation back to starting point?? Thanks, Josette

    Reply

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