Tortoise & Hare Trail Race
South Hill, United States • 28 Jun 2026
Tortoise & Hare Trail Race
The Tortoise & Hare Trail Race is a trail event held inside Buttermilk Falls State Park near Ithaca, organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club. The main course is a roughly 10K+ loop (about 6.5 miles) that uses several park trails and varied terrain. Runners encounter the easy Larch Meadow Trail, a semi-technical Bear Trail, and the rolling Treman Lake Trail. The route includes one long, steep climb of about 450 feet in under a mile and a long downhill section on the return.
A free 1-mile kids fun run follows the Larch Meadow Trail loop and is non-competitive and untimed. The race has two water stops located at King Road and Comfort Road. Post-race amenities include food, water, and access to park facilities; a local massage-therapy school offers complimentary post-race massages. Results are posted via Webscorer and included in the FLRC Trail Circuit rankings.
Registration is required online; entry fees, member discounts, youth-free entry, and a fee-waiver code are part of the registration policy. The event enforces safety and participation rules: no dogs, headphones, or jogging strollers, and participants should be prepared for uneven footing, mud, insects, and road crossings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.