Runners Encouraged to Unleash Their Inner Locomotives During the 14th Annual Black Diamond Express Trail Races August 24th

Runners start to line up at the Black Diamond Express Trail Races last year. Photo by Ryan Jamison

BY PAIGE JOKL
All Aboard! Come join the fun on the scenic Lehigh Valley Trail as a runner or spectator at the Mendon Foundation’s 14th Annual Black Diamond Express Trail Races on Sunday morning, August 24th. This annual event features a 5K race and a Half Marathon, attracting competitors from across the area looking to test their speed and endurance. New this year – Pat’s Pigs food truck will be on-site at the Mendon Youth Baseball Fields, starting at 9:30 a.m.!

Pre-registration for the 5K and the Half Marathon (and virtual races for those unable to attend in person) is available online at https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Mendon/BlackDiamondExpress, with last-minute registrations accepted until 7:30 a.m. on race day. The first 150 pre-registrants receive their choice of a commemorative long-sleeve t-shirt or coffee mug.

The Lehigh Valley Trail is a peaceful route with a rich history. It passes through Rochester Junction, once a busy railroad hub during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Race participants retrace a portion of the route of the Lehigh Valley Railroad’s famed luxury train “The Black Diamond Express” which whisked passengers from New York City to Buffalo from 1896 to 1959.

Both races use an out-and-back format, finishing where they started at the Mendon Youth Baseball Fields on Route 251 in the Hamlet of Mendon. Pre-race ceremonies and announcements will commence at 7:30 a.m. The Half Marathon, certified by USA Track & Field (NY17052JG), begins at 8:00 a.m. and takes runners on a fast, flat 13.1-mile journey, turning around behind the Rush United Methodist Church. The 5K starts at 8:20 a.m., with runners heading out for a scenic 3.1-mile round trip, turning just past Chamberlain Road.

The certified Half Marathon course allows runners to qualify for major events like the Boston and New York City Marathons and is part of the Greater Rochester Track Club’s “Rochester Runner of the Year” series. Once again, local artist Geoff Gretton is making custom-designed ceramic medals to be presented to each Half Marathon finisher and ceramic pins for the 5K finishers. This year the top five male and female finishers in both races will be awarded prizes. Also, the top three male and female finishers in various age groups will receive commemorative metal water bottles.

As the Mendon Foundation’s main fundraising event, proceeds from these races help us 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 this event’s success, so come on down to the Mendon Youth Baseball Fields and the Lehigh Valley Trail on Sunday, August 24th, to encourage and applaud the participants. 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/.

Join us for a memorable day of competition and community spirit, and help keep the trail’s historic legacy alive!