The “No Vacancy” signs all over town say it all: there’s something big happening this weekend and our sister towns: The Annual Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival is here. For more info, click right here.

And it’s not just any ADK Marathon: This Sunday marks the event's 20th Birthday. (Just a year to go before they can grab a beer at Flanagan’s!). As we write this, there are more than a thousand runners and volunteers here or on their way.

We caught up with Race Director Joel Friedman over the summer. He was as cool, calm and collected as ever.

“Everything we can possibly to do to make this event the best we can we will do. Runner safety is our number one concern, as always. What we have no control over is the weather”.

And on that front, the weather gods couldn’t have delivered a beauty: a top of 64, ideal running conditions!

The 20th anniversary event was a year in the making, with the planning literally starting after the end of last year’s event. The first events are just hours away on Saturday, with the 26 miles and 385 yards Main Event on Sunday Morning.

“We have been booked out for months,” Patti Mehm, owner of the Lake View in told Schroon Laker.

“We have almost a 100 per cent repeat rate from last year."

Even if you are not a runner, there’s still a lot to do. The Runners Expo and Packet Pick up at the Schroon Lake School is open to the public. It features running gear retailers, clubs, up coming events, with health and fitness specialists around to share a few tips.

That’s on Saturday, from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 6:45 am - 8:15 am at the Schroon Lake Central School, 1125 US Route 9.

There’s also a ton of official bling available that can also be purchased at packet pickup and at the finish line on race day.

On Saturday at 3pm there’s a terrific course strategy Session with Jeff Dengate, the Shoe & Gear Editor at Runner’s World

Jeff is a veteran of 25 marathons, including SIX!!! finishes at the Adirondack Marathon, and often trains along the course. He’ll fill you in on where the biggest hills are, when you’ll get to cruise, and general course strategy. Unsure about what to wear on race day? Jeff is your go to “Gear Guy” with all the answers on the latest trends in running footwear and gear world. Bottom Line: Jeff is there help you conquer race day!

So good luck to everyone. Welcome to our fine towns. And enjoy everything we have to offer!