Danby Down & Dirty

Danby Down & Dirty

The Finger Lakes Runners Club presents a fall trail run in Danby State Forest with two distances offered. The course uses mostly singletrack on the Finger Lakes Trail and the Abbott Loop Trail and begins with about 1.7 miles of dirt road. The route climbs to the Thatcher Pinnacles for multi county views and includes sustained elevation changes, with the start near 1,300 feet and the pinnacles near 1,700 feet.

Distances:

• 10K
• 23K (14.2 miles)

The 10K follows one loop that stays mostly on the Abbott Loop Trail. The 23K completes the 10K loop plus a second loop that follows the full 8 mile Abbott Loop and avoids forest roads, resulting in a total of 14.2 miles. Intersections and turns will be marked and Wilderness Search and Rescue members will staff road crossings. There is one aid station midway through the 10K that 23K runners pass twice and another aid point at the 10K mark before loop two.

The start and finish are on Michigan Hollow Road near Smiley Hill Road, about 2.5 miles south of Danby. Parking is restricted to the west side of the road. Online registration is required and remains open until two hours before the race. Entry fees and discounts are published by the organizer, and runners 18 and under may register free. Awards of drinkable prizes are given to top male and female finishers in the stated age groups.

The course can be uneven and muddy. Participants should expect variable footing, insects, fallen logs, and vehicle crossings and follow posted trail markers and race policies. No dogs, headphones, or jogging strollers are allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.