Runners begin lining up for the start of the Black Diamond Express Half Marathon and the 5K Trail Races. Photo provided by Fran Celona
By Dina Ergood
On a sunny Sunday, August 25, runners and supporters gathered for the thirteenth annual Black Diamond Express Half Marathon and 5K Trail Races, hosted by the Mendon Foundation. This year’s event was another success in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the rich natural open spaces in the Mendon Community.
The Mendon Foundation, a non-profit organization, partners with the Monroe County Parks Department to maintain the Lehigh Valley Trail. Beyond the trail, they independently own and care for several local properties, all open to the public. These efforts are funded entirely by donations and carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Nearly 200 racers—from local enthusiasts to participants from as far away as Florida and Washington—came together to support the cause and embrace the last days of summer. Thanks to meticulous planning and the hard work of volunteers, race day began early with mile markers set, water stations prepared, and the course readied for action. Rochester Running Company, a long-time supporter of the event, handled the timing and scoring of the participants.
The morning kicked off with an inspiring opening ceremony, featuring heartfelt remarks from Town of Mendon Deputy Supervisor Brent Rosiek, setting a positive tone for the day. This was followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, sung by Honeoye Falls-Lima High School seniors Amelia Somers and Jenna Quinn, both participants in the 5K race.
At 8:00 a.m. sharp, the Half Marathon runners sprinted off, blazing through the 13.1-mile course. Aaron Nobles of Pittsford clinched the top spot with an impressive time of 1:17:40, closely followed by Adrian Haws of Lima. Among the women, Laura Galeazzo from Webster secured victory, with Sara Antonio from Rochester finishing close behind.
The 5K race, which started shortly after to ensure a clear path for Half Marathon finishers, saw Gabriel Evankez of Webster and Olivia Zuber of Honeoye Falls emerge as the fastest male and female runners, respectively. Second-place finishers were Joe Porter of Honeoye Falls and Francesca Clements of Geneva.
Half Marathon finishers received custom ceramic medals featuring the 2024 Black Diamond Express Half Marathon, while 5K finishers were awarded Lehigh Valley Trail custom ceramic pins. All medals and pins were handmade by Mendon’s own Geoffrey Gretton. Awards were also given to the top two finishers in each male and female age group.
As the event came to a close, participants and spectators alike eagerly look forward to next year’s race, scheduled for August 24, 2025. It’s not just a race; it’s a celebration of community spirit and support for the Mendon Foundation’s vital conservation efforts.
