Mendon Trail Run

Mendon Trail Run : Mendon Ponds Park

The Mendon Trail Run is organized by the Rochester Orienteering Club and has been held since 1994. The event offers multiple trail distances on the east side of Mendon Ponds Park, run on a marked 10 km loop that is entirely off-road.

Distances include:

• 5K
• 10K
• Half marathon (21.1 km)
• 50K

The 10 km loop is mostly doubletrack with some singletrack, marked turns at trail junctions, and traffic cones at the one road crossing. The course has many rolling hills and is generally runnable, with one short rocky downhill section where footing can be tricky. Each 10K loop has an estimated 800 to 1000 feet of climb. The 5K follows the 10K loop for about 3.7 km then returns, with an estimated climb of 450 feet. The half marathon begins with a 1.1 km short loop followed by two 10K loops to reach 21.1 km.

Aid is provided mid-loop for 10K, half marathon, and 50K runners, plus a water and Gatorade stop at the start/finish area. Mid-loop aid includes small cups of snacks and liquids; volunteers may hand cups to runners under park health rules. Runners are advised to bring a collapsible cup or bottle and any special food in a drop bag.

Registration and logistics notes: registration opens May 12, 2026; refunds minus a 20% fee are allowed through October 15; bib transfers are allowed until October 24; online distance changes are allowed through November 5. Long-sleeve shirts are available by October 11 for an additional fee. Bib pickup locations include a local running store and the race site on event day. Sponsors include Medved and Wegmans. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.