Runners leave the starting line at a past Black Diamond Express Trail Race. Photo by Dave Burnet
BY DINA ERGOOD
On Sunday, August 25, the picturesque Lehigh Valley Trail will once again come alive with the sound of pounding feet and cheering spectators as the Mendon Foundation hosts its 13th Annual Black Diamond Express Trail Races. This annual event features a 5K race and the region’s original Half Marathon, drawing runners from across the area to test their speed and endurance.
The Lehigh Valley Trail, a serene route steeped in history, runs through Rochester Junction—a bustling railroad hub from the late 19th century. Once a critical juncture for the Lehigh Valley Railroad, which connected Geneva to Buffalo, Rochester Junction now serves as a scenic backdrop for these challenging races. As participants dash through this historical corridor, they become part of a rich legacy that dates back to the railroad’s heyday. The Lehigh Valley is the former home to one of the most celebrated American railroads of all time and to the famous Black Diamond Express passenger train, which ran from New York to Buffalo.
Pre-registration for the 5K and the Half Marathon is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Mendon/BlackDiamondExpress, with last-minute registrations accepted until 7:30 AM on race day. The Half Marathon, certified by USA Track & Field (NY17052JG), begins at 8:00 AM and takes runners on a 13.1-mile journey, turning around behind the Rush United Methodist Church. The 5K starts at 8:20 AM, with runners heading out for a 3.1-mile round trip.
The certified Half Marathon course allows runners to qualify for major events like the Boston and New York City Marathons. Also, the Half Marathon is part of the Greater Rochester Track Club’s “Rochester Runner of the Year” series. The top finishers in the Half Marathon receive cash prizes and gift certificates to Massage Therapy of Mendon, while winners in the 5K are awarded gift certificates to Mendon’s local favorites, Mendon 64 and The Cottage Hotel.
Once again, Geoff Gretton, a local artist, is making custom-designed ceramic medals to be presented to each Half Marathon finisher. New this year, drawings will be held for gift certificates to Mendon’s 20Deep Winery and for quart jugs of maple syrup from Mendon’s Trout Brook Sugarhouse & Alpacas.
As the Mendon Foundation’s main fundraising event, proceeds from these races help maintain the Lehigh Valley Trail and six land trust properties in Mendon and Caledonia. Even if you’re not running in the race, you can still participate by cheering on the runners or donating online at https://mendonfoundation.org/support-us/.
Community support is vital to the event’s success, so join us on Sunday, August 25th on the Lehigh Valley Trail to add to the festive atmosphere and encourage participants. Spectator access and parking are available at various road crossings, including Plains Road (Rochester Junction), West Bloomfield Road and Quaker Meeting House Road. Remember to stay clear of the runners’ path and park safely off the roads.
For more details about the races and to access registration forms, visit http://mendonfoundation.org/black-diamond-express-race/.
Join others for a memorable day of competition and community spirit, and help keep the trail’s historic legacy alive!
