Mendon Trail Run

Mendon Trail Run

The Mendon Trail Run offers trail races on the east side of Mendon Ponds Park with four distance options:

• 5K
• 10K
• Half Marathon
• 50K

The main loop is a 10 km course on trails and grassy fields. The route is marked, turns are marked at trail junctions, and traffic cones mark the road crossing. The course features many rolling hills, with nearly all sections runnable and one short rocky downhill where footing can be tricky. Organizers estimate about 1000 feet of climb per 10 km loop while the total elevation difference between low and high points is about 150 feet. Each loop includes two crossings of park roads; runners are responsible for their own safety when crossing.

Aid and support vary by distance. Half marathon and 50K runners have an aid station about 3.5 miles into the loop. For longer ultras there is an aid station at the start and finish and a mid-loop station offering small portions of snacks and a selection of liquids. Park health rules may require volunteers to hand food to runners. A water and Gatorade stop is available at the beginning of each loop; runners are advised to bring a collapsible cup or bottle for liquids.

Pacers are permitted for the 50K only, limited to the final two loops, and must follow specific rules and a waiver. The event raises funds for the Rochester Orienteering Club, has a limit of 350 runners, and offers awards for overall men and women plus ten year age groups. Full refunds minus a 20 percent administration fee are available until October 03; no refunds after that date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.