Mendon Trail Run

Mendon Trail Run

The Mendon Trail Run is organized by the Rochester Orienteering Club and takes place at Stewart Lodge in Mendon Ponds Park. The event raises funds to support the club and has been offered since 1994. Races use a 10 km loop that serves as the basis for several distances.

Distances and approximate climbs:

• 50K - 4750 ft of climb
• Half marathon (21.1K) - 2000 ft of climb
• 10K - 950 ft of climb
• 5K - 450 ft of climb

The 10K loop is entirely on trails or grassy fields, marked at turns with additional markers at trail junctions and traffic cones at the road crossing. The course contains many rolling hills and is largely runnable, with one short rocky downhill section where footing may be tricky. Total elevation difference between the low point and high point is about 300 feet. Each loop crosses park roads twice; runners are responsible for their own safety when crossing roads.

The half marathon combines a 1.1 km introductory loop with two full 10K loops to reach 21.1 km. The 5K follows most of the 10K loop for approximately 3.7 km before splitting back to the finish area.

Aid provision includes a fully stocked mid-loop station offering small cups of food such as M&Ms, gummi bears, pretzels, Pringles, dill pickle slices, and fig bars; liquids include water, Gatorade, flat cola and ginger ale, and pickle juice. Due to park health regulations, volunteers may hand food to runners by taking a cup and dropping contents into the runner's hand. An aid station with water and Gatorade is available at the start/finish area each loop. Organizers recommend using a collapsible cup or personal water bottle for liquids.

Pacers are permitted only in the 50K and only for the final two loops. Pacers do not pay a fee but must complete a waiver. Pacers may not carry the runner's supplies, may not take supplies for themselves at the aid stations, may not run through the finish line with the runner, and must arrive and depart aid stations in coordination with the runner.

Entry is capped at 350 participants. Awards include overall male and female winners plus ten year age group winners in each race, and a race souvenir for all 50K finishers. Refunds are offered with a full refund minus a 20 percent administration fee through October 03; no refunds are available after that date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.