24-02-2025
SNIRT Run in Lewis County faces uncertain future after this year's cancelation
LEWIS COUNTY, N.Y. (WWTI) – A springtime staple in Lewis County faces an uncertain future after being called off for this year.
A press released on Monday, February 24 from the Barnes Corners Sno-Pals said this year's SNIRT run has been canceled. The organization that runs the event said 'Unfortunately, we have recently learned of the new requirements of the county and in conjunction with the current requirements of the Towns and NYS mass gathering permit it has become reality that we cannot meet them.'
Authorities say Lewis County Snirt Run caused ATV accident spike
This year's run would have been have been the 20th edition. In 2023, the run attracted over 5,000 riders to the Tug Hill region to ride four-wheelers and side-by-sides from one end of the county to the other.
This event serves as a fundraiser for the not-for-profit snowmobile club, which is comprised of all volunteer members that help maintain the over 110 miles of trails for the safe operation and enjoyment of snowmobile enthusiast in the area.
However, there have been issues in the past with crashes and landowners being an unhappy about going onto undesignated properties and damaging them.
Organizers said in the statement that getting the necessary permits to run the event was a challenge. Some of these were due to changing state regulations, insurance requirements from Lewis County as well as some of the towns in which the SNIRT Run is held, as well as local laws limiting dates we could use the trails in some towns.
The press release said the decision to cancel the run was made at their most-recent meeting on Wednesday, February 19.
The organization said it wanted to 'thank all the participants over the last 19 years, it has been an honor to sponsor this event and as we work to find new ways to fund the work we do on the snowmobile trails, we look forward to all your support.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
