2026 ADK Fitness Challenge: More Time Competing, Improved Warm-Up Area, and a Closer Vendor Village
Lake Placid, NY — [September 8th] — The ADK Fitness Challenge is back in 2026, and this year we’re dialing things in based on what athletes told us. Expect more time competing, a better warm-up setup, and vendors right in the mix with the athletes and spectators.
More Time Competing
Nobody travels to Lake Placid for just a few minutes on the floor. In 2026, athletes will see more opportunities to throw down and showcase their fitness. The goal is simple: every division, every athlete, gets a fuller competition experience.
A Better Warm-Up Area
Warming up shouldn’t be the hardest part of the weekend. We’re upgrading the warm-up area with more equipment, a better layout, and a smoother flow so you can focus on your prep instead of fighting for space.
Vendors Where You Are
This year vendors are moving closer to the action. Instead of being tucked away, they’ll be set up right where athletes and fans spend their time — making it easier to grab gear, recovery, or food without missing the energy of the event.
New for 2026: An In-Person Qualifier
For the first time ever, athletes will also have the chance to qualify live and in person. The ADK In-Person Qualifier will be held at CrossFit Spur on November 8th, 2025, giving athletes the opportunity to earn their spot on the Lake Placid floor in a live competition setting. This new option adds another pathway to the Challenge while keeping the online qualifier in place for athletes across the country.
From the Organizer
“The hardest part of scaling this event is balancing athlete feedback with protecting what makes ADK unique. We want to keep improving every year, but never at the expense of the identity and vibe that set this competition apart,” said Nick LaScala, founder and organizer.
Building Momentum
The ADK Fitness Challenge has quickly grown into one of the Northeast’s premier fitness competitions. In 2025, over 300 athletes competed in person in Lake Placid, while nearly 500 athletes took part in the online qualifier — representing more than 30 states across the country. With world-class Olympic venues and the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, ADK offers a one-of-a-kind competition environment.
Key Dates
In-Person Qualifier: November 8, 2025 — CrossFit Spur [Registration opens September 12th]
Online Qualifier: January 22 – February 9, 2026 [Registration opens December 1st]
In-Person Event: June 6–7, 2026 — Lake Placid, NY
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