Mendon Trail Run

Mendon Trail Run

The Mendon Trail Run is organized by the Rochester Orienteering Club at Stewart Lodge, Mendon Ponds Park. The event offers multiple trail distances that use a marked loop course on trails and grassy fields.

Distances and estimated climb per race:

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

The core course is a 10 km loop that is marked at trail junctions, with traffic cones at the park road crossing points. The loop has many rolling hills and is nearly all runnable; there is one fairly short rocky downhill section where footing can be tricky. The total elevation change between the low and high points on the loop is about 300 feet. Each loop includes two park road crossings and runners are responsible for their own safety when crossing roads.

Race formats:

• The half marathon covers a short 1.1 km loop plus two 10 km loops to reach 21.1 km.
• The 5K uses the same start area but initially goes in the opposite direction, sharing the first 3.7 km with the 10K before splitting back.

Aid stations and support: a fully stocked mid-loop aid station offers small cup portions of snacks and a variety of liquids; park health rules may require volunteers to hand food to runners. An aid station with water and Gatorade is available at the start/finish area each loop. Pacers are permitted in the 50K only and only for the last two loops, subject to rules about supplies and aid station use.

Other details: the event is limited to 350 runners. Awards are given to overall male and female winners and to ten year age group winners; all 50K finishers receive a race souvenir. Refunds are available in full minus a 20 percent administration fee through October 03; no refunds after that date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.