ABOUT

This low-key, flat race is perfect for any type of athlete–those who want to go fast, those who want to go long, and anywhere in between. With no mileage or time cutoffs, all paces are welcome and walkers are encouraged. How many parallels of latitude can YOU complete in 8 hours?

The Parallel of Latitude is an 8 hour fixed time race featuring a 3.45-mile out-and-back on a flat, scenic rail trail next to beautiful Dryden Lake. From the time the clock starts at 8:00 AM, to the time it stops at 4:00 PM, how many miles you complete is up to you. With one large aid station available at the start of every loop, you’re never too far from all the pickles, soda, and potato chips your heart desires. Need a break between loops to rest your feet? Erect your own pop-up tent or set up inside one of the two pavilions with the essentials: a cooler, someone to fan you with a palm frond, and a record player to spin Billy Joel’s greatest hits. Just beware the chair, for she is a cunning temptress, and if you spend too long relaxing the race director just might chase you back out onto the trail.

What’s up with the name of your event? How does it even apply to what we’re doing here? Parallels of latitude are imaginary lines that divide the Earth. They run east to west (the Equator is the most famous one), but measure your distance north or south. You will be traveling many times along a line and we will be measuring your distance.

Elevation Gain: Little to none.

Online pre-registration is required and is open through 12:00 PM (noon) Friday, September 26, 2025. There is no in-person, same-day registration at the race, so plan ahead.

WHERE & WHEN

Race day is Saturday September 27, 2025. The race clock starts at 8:00 AM, and stops at 4:00 PM. There are no custom start times. You can be out on the course for as much or as little as you like during that time.

On race day runners should head to Dryden Lake Park, 5 minutes from Dryden, NY and 25 minutes from Ithaca, NY. Race HQ and start/finish will be located at the big pavilion in the park–look for the FLRC feather flags. Parking is available in designated spots in the park, or by the dam less than a quarter of a mile away.

AWARDS

All participants will receive a custom concrete finisher stone which will have their mileage added when they finish, regardless of their distance. The person in each gender category who completes the most miles will receive a larger concrete stone and other swag.

MORE INFO

More info including in-depth course info, volunteer sign-up, race rules, policies, and warnings can be found on our website: https://fingerlakesrunners.org/race/parallel-of-latitude-2024/

Event's current local time: 11:02 AM ET