Runners at the start of the 2025 Black Diamond Express Trail Races. Photo by Gene Avallone
BY PAIGE JOKL
Last year’s Black Diamond Express Trail Races drew the second largest number of participants in the history of the event. This summer, organizers are hoping to attract even more runners to their 15th Annual Black Diamond Express Half Marathon and 5K Trail Races to be held on Sunday, August 23rd. Proceeds from the races support the Mendon Foundation, a local non-profit run entirely by volunteers who help maintain the Lehigh Valley Trail and preserve and protect several natural open spaces in the area for all to enjoy.
The Black Diamond Express Trail Races pay tribute to the Lehigh Valley Railroad’s illustrious luxury passenger train “The Black Diamond Express” which once carried passengers along this picturesque route from New York City to Buffalo. The certified Half Marathon is part of the Greater Rochester Track Club’s “Rochester Runner of the Year” series and qualifies finishers to enter national events such as the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon. Pre-registration for the Half Marathon and 5K, as well as the virtual races for those unable to attend in person, is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Mendon/BlackDiamondExpress. Pre-registrants receive their choice of a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt or coffee mug, and last-minute registrations are accepted on-site up until 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race.
Finishers of the Black Diamond Express Trail Races receive custom ceramic medals for the Half Marathon and custom ceramic pins for the 5K. Each year these coveted keepsakes are designed and produced by Mendon artist Geoffry Gretton. This year the medals, pins, t-shirts and water bottles will be red, white and blue as a tribute to our nation’s 250th birthday. In addition to the medals, the top two male and female finishers receive monetary awards and the third through fifth place finishers receive prizes including gift certificates donated by area businesses. The top three finishers in various age groups receive keepsake metal water bottles.
Along with the amazing prizes, another high point of this race is the course itself. The scenic, mostly shaded course begins in the quaint Hamlet of Mendon. It is a flat and fast, packed stone-dust rails-to-trails path that provides more cushion than a paved course. Both races use an out-and-back format, finishing where they started at the Mendon Youth Baseball Fields on Route 251. Pre-race ceremonies and announcements begin at 7:30 a.m. The 13.1-mile Half Marathon, certified by USA Track & Field (NY17052JG), starts at 8:00 a.m. and shortly thereafter at 8:20 a.m. the 5K runners head out for their 3.1-mile round trip.
Even those not running in the races are encouraged to participate by cheering for the runners or donating online at https://mendonfoundation.org/support-us/. Spectator access and parking are available at Mendon Station Park, Saint Catherine’s Church, and 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/.
The Lehigh Valley Trail is a beloved resource valued by the many community members who utilize it daily. Proceeds from these races enable the Mendon Foundation to maintain the Lehigh Valley Trail and six land trust properties in Mendon and Caledonia. Come on out on Sunday, August 23rd to partake in the fun and support the Mendon Foundation’s important work!
