Saturday, June 29, 2024

Start times:
50 Mile and 50K at 6:30 AM
25K at 8:00 AM

The Finger Lakes 50s consist of 50-mile, 50K, and 25K trail races in the Finger Lakes National Forest in Hector, NY. Each distance is part of the Finger Lakes Runners Club Trail Circuit, and results are included in our annual Pebblehead/Stonehead/Boulderhead rankings.

All three races will use the same loop course, starting and finishing at the Potomac Group Campground. The course is a 16.5-mile loop covering singletrack trail, grassy pastures complete with grazing cows and cow pies, and dirt roads. Run it once, twice, or thrice for your respective distance. The 50K and 50-mile races start at 6:30 AM and the 25K race starts at 8:00. Runners will encounter 1,300 feet of elevation gain per loop and four aid stations on each loop. Note that the 25K and 50K run “long” at 16.5 and 33 miles, respectively. But hey, that’s more mileage per dollar! 50-milers do an extra half-mile loop at the end to get their full distance.

If you’ve never run a trail race before, check out our First-Timers FAQs for Trail Races. (And you might want to try a shorter one first!)

• Location and Parking
• Registration and Waitlist
• Fees and Refunds
• Race Weekend Schedule
• Pacers
• The Course
• Race Rules
• Warnings
• Policies
• Course Records
• Volunteering
• Lodging and Restaurants
• Sponsors
• FAQ
• Race Reports, Photos, and Media
• National Forest Info

The race starts and finishes at race headquarters—which doubles as the Living Room aid station—at the Potomac Group Campground in the Finger Lakes National Forest. The campground is located just off Potomac Road, about a half-mile north of the intersection between Picnic Area Road and Potomac Road.

Parking:

Parking is available on Potomac Road only and is limited to the west side of the road. (Please abide by the “No Parking” signs on the road’s east side.) In addition, parking will not be permitted in the entrance or driveway to the Potomac Group Campground parking lot, nor the area designated for the “Baby Loop” on the 50-mile course.

Any vehicles parked in a “No Parking” zone will be towed at the owner’s expense… and after running all day, it wouldn’t be too fun to find your vehicle gone!

Parking in prohibited areas violates the terms of our permit with the Finger Lakes National Forest. Emergency vehicles, race vehicles, and general public use vehicles must be able to use the road while the race is in progress.

Due to the number of cars that will be parked along the road, you may have to park some distance from the race registration area. Please make sure that you arrive early on race day to account for this.

FLRC encourages runners to carpool to make the race more inclusive for those without cars, help fight climate change, and ease parking congestion—sign up to drive or ride.

Registration for the Finger Lakes 50s opens on UltraSignup at 10am EST on January 1.

The event is capped at 250 registrants for all three races combined (50-mile, 50K, and 25K) and always sells out quickly. If you don’t get in initially, you can still register and be placed on the waitlist. (Your credit card will not be charged until you are invited via Ultrasignup and you accept the invitation.) The waitlist will be tapped as registrants cancel. See the wait list information below for more details.

You can see a list of registrants on the Finger Lakes 50s UltraSignup page by clicking on the “people” icon just below the header photo.

There are no deferrals to a future year.

Wait List

50-mile and 50K: $105 (Early Bird), $115 on May 1, $125 on June 1

25K: $70 (Early Bird), $75 on May 1, $80 on June 1

Registration includes:

• T-shirt. (Indicate your size during registration.) There may also be additional swag for sale at packet pickup. Swag may change depending on availability.
• Five aid stations per loop. There will be water and snacks at each station.
• Awards for overall male and female and masters male and female for each of the three races. Updates to come regarding non-binary category awards.
• Awards for male and female age-group winners. (10-year age groups.)
• Finisher awards.
• Small breakfast before the start. (Muffins, orange juice, and coffee.)
• Post-race meals will be provided—details will be provided later as we get closer to the event. 
• Optional free camping at the race start/headquarters the night before and/or the night after the race.
• Best of all, an excellent day/weekend in the woods with trail-running friends!

Cancellations/Refunds:

There are no deferrals to a future year.

Refund before June 1:

If you register but withdraw your registration before June 1, you’ll receive a 50% refund. Refunds will only be for the race entrance fee and will not include the UltraSignup service charge.

Cancellations after June 1:

No refunds will be given after June 1. If you decide not to run after June 1, please go to your UltraSignup account to cancel or notify us at FL50s@fingerlakesrunners.org so a runner from the wait list can be given a spot.

Friday, June 28

11:00 AM: Camping at the Potomac Group Campground (race HQ) opens. Camping here is free for all runners, volunteers, crew, pacers, and their families.

4:00–7:30 PM: Packet pick-up for all three races (25K, 50K, 50-mile) at Potomac Group Campground Pavilion. THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO PICK UP YOUR PACKET!!

Saturday (Race Day), June 29

5:00–6:15 AM: Packet pickup for the 50-miler and 50K only at the pavilion. There will be a runner check-in at the start line for all 50-milers/50K, whether you picked up your bib the day of the race or the day before.

6:15 AM: Race instructions/announcements.

6:30 AM: 50-mile and 50K races start.

6:45–7:45 AM: Packet pickup for 25K only at the pavilion. There will be a runner check-in at the start line for all 50-milers/50K, whether you picked up your bib the day of the race or the day before.

7:45 AM: Race instructions/announcements (at start line area).

8:00 AM: 25K race starts.

11:30 AM-ish: 25K awards ceremony.

12:00 PM: Cut-off time for 50K runners—you must complete Loop 1 and start Loop 2 by this time (5 hours and 30 minutes elapsed) to continue on.

12:30 PM-ish: 50K awards ceremony.

2:15 PM: Cut-off time for Loop 2 of the 50-miler—you must complete Loop 2 and start Loop 3 by this time (7 hours and 45 minutes elapsed) to continue on.

4:30 PM-ish: 50-mile awards ceremony.

5:00 PM: Cut-off time for 50-milers on Loop 3 to reach the Library Aid Station (roughly 10 miles into the loop)—you must reach and leave the Library aid station by 5:00 PM to continue on (43 miles in 10 hours and 30 minutes elapsed).

Sunday, June 30

10:30 AM: Potomac Group Campground closes. All campers need to depart. If you plan to continue camping in the forest, you’ll need to move your gear to a different campsite—the Potomac Group Campground is for reservation only. More info on camping permits.

It’s a three-loop course and pacers are only permitted for 50-mile racers on their third loop. If you’re running the 50-mile you’ve done two loops already, so do you really need a pacer for the third? If you do want a pacer, they must register so we can keep track of who is out on the course. There is no fee for pacers. However, if pacers would like to purchase any meals, you need to fill out the online Pacer Registration and Waiver Form and submit payment via Square. (Links and instructions for this coming soon!) Meals are $12 apiece. 

The Google form can be completed prior to race day if no extra meals are to be purchased (or by June 1 if purchasing a meal), or a paper form can be completed at the time of packet pick-up at the race site.

Pacer Rules

• Pacers will be allowed for 50-mile racers ONLY.
• Pacers may accompany a 50-mile racer on their third full loop (16.5 miles) and the final Baby Loop (0.5 miles) only.
• Pacers must stay with the person they’re pacing at all times.
• Pacers must be at least 18 years old.
• Pacers cannot mule for their runner—that is, carry ANYTHING (fuel, clothing, etc.) for the runner they are pacing.
• For liability purposes, the Pacer Registration and Waiver Form must be completed by anyone wishing to pace.
• All pacers will be provided with a pacer bib which they must wear at all times on the front of their body while out on the course with their racer.

The Finger Lakes 50s comprises 50 miles, 50K (approximately 33 miles), and 25K (approximately 16.5 miles) around the Finger Lakes National Forest. All three distances are part of the Finger Lakes Runners Club Trail Circuit.

Download course map | See detailed course description

Course Elevation:

This elevation chart will provide a close representation of the FL50s course with an elevation gain of approximately 1,300 feet per loop.

All three races will use the same loop course, starting and finishing at the Potomac Group Campsite. As noted above, the course is a 16.5-mile loop covering singletrack trail (85%), grassy pastures (5%) complete with grazing cows and cow pies, and dirt roads (10%). 25K runners complete a single loop, 50K runners run two loops, and 50-milers complete three loops plus a half-mile “baby loop” to give them a nice round 50 for the day. Runners will encounter five aid stations on the course including the finish area. (There are five individual aid stations, but runners will hit the South Beach aid station twice, making it six.)

Aid Stations: We have reduced the number of aid stations from 6 to 5. The Morgue is back! Please plan on carrying water and food with you. Subject to change pending state and local regulations. 

1. The Morgue: 3 miles from the start
2. South Beach: 1.5 miles from The Morgue, 4.5 miles from the start. (The second stop at the Beach is 2.5 miles later on the course, and yet somehow in the same place.)
3. The Library: 5.5 miles from first South Beach stop, 3 miles from the second South Beach stop, 10 miles from the start
4. The Outback: 4.0 miles from The Library, 14.0 miles from the start
5. The Living Room (finish line area): 2.5 miles from The Outback, completing the 16.5-mile loop. For those doing the 50K/50m events, you will be able to leave a drop bag in this area.

The course will be marked with signs consisting of black arrows over a red background, and pink flagging. Follow these markings and no others. There are a ton of interconnected trails and dirt roads throughout the forest, and it can be easy to get lost if you aren’t paying attention. If you come to a yellow “wrong way” sign, you’ve gone the wrong direction. The Finger Lakes National Forest has orange, white, and blue blazes on the trees—ignore these blazes, and only follow the black and red arrow signs and the pink flagging. The arrow signs will only be posted where you need to make a turn—if you don’t see an arrow, don’t turn onto another trail. If you see pink flagging, follow it!

You’ll encounter a number of boardwalks throughout the course. These boardwalks have a nasty reputation for being very slippery, even if it hasn’t rained. Besides being slick, some boardwalks have broken wood and holes—please watch your step.

There is a short section where runners will be moving in both directions. About a mile up the trail after leaving Mark Smith Road, and again as you approach the aid station #2 (South Beach). Please stay to the right side of the trail to allow for two-way traffic without risk of collision. This section will be well-marked to eliminate any confusion. 

For a complete description of the course: See the detailed course description.

• Race Day Check-in: You MUST check-in prior to your starting time before race-day morning, even if you picked up your packet the day before. For your safety, we must have an accurate number of runners on the course.
• Cut-off Times: 
  • 25K: There is no cut-off time; runners will be completing one loop (16.5 miles).
  • 50K: Need to complete Loop 1 by 12:00 noon (5 hours, 30 minutes elapsed)
  • 50-milers: Need to complete Loop 2 and start Loop 3 by 2:15 PM (7 hours, 45 minutes elapsed).
  • 50-milers: Also need to reach and leave the Library aid station on the third loop (roughly 10 miles into the loop and 43 miles into the race) by 5:00 PM (10 hours and 30 minutes elapsed) to continue.
  • If you were planning on doing the 50-miler and didn’t make the cut-off to start Loop 3, your time will be counted as a 50K finish, but you won’t be eligible for awards.
  • If you finish Loop 2 and have met the cut-off time, but are unsure about continuing and you linger at the aid station, you must report to the finish line area if you decide to continue on or if you decide to stop. If you stop you can go through the finish line again for a 50K finish. (See bullet above.)
  • If you start Loop 3 but miss the cut-off time at the Library (5:00 PM), it’s a DNF.
• Headphones/Earbuds: Wearing headphones is prohibited—the course can be crowded and people need to be able to communicate and hear. Wearing headphones during road sections that are open to traffic could result in disqualification. This is both for your own safety and that of others. It is important that you remain aware of your surroundings.
• ABSOLUTELY NO LITTERING! Carry-in, carry-out, or throw it in a trash bag at an aid station. Those found littering will be disqualified!
• NO BANDITS: Anyone found running as a non-registered runner or pacing for a 50-mile runner will be banned from all future Finger Lakes Runners Club events.
• Dropping From Race: If you decide to drop out while you are out on the course, you MUST give the tear-tag from your bib and timing chip to a volunteer or race official and make sure race officials and the Wilderness Search and Rescue crew know you are dropping out. Once your tag has been removed you may not change your mind and continue in the race. When you finish the race, you must make sure that race officials have taken your number tear-tag and timing chip. If you leave the race with your tear-tag, we will think that you are still out on the course and we will be searching for you! We do not want to be out looking all night for someone who is not out on the course.
• Bib Numbers: You must wear your number in the front at all times and your number must be visible to the race volunteers. DO NOT FOLD OR ALTER YOUR RACE NUMBER IN ANY WAY, INCLUDING REMOVING THE BOTTOM TEAR OFF SECTION (LEAVE IT ATTACHED.) A DISPOSABLE TIMING DEVICE IS ON THE BACK OF THE BIB, AND FOLDING YOUR BIB MAY CAUSE THE DEVICE TO MALFUNCTION AND FAIL TO RECORD YOUR TIME. It is your responsibility to make sure that your number has been recorded when you go through an area where numbers are being taken. If it is found that your number was not taken at one of these locations, it will be assumed that you did not go through that area, and you will not be counted in the finishing results.
• Changing Race Distances: Runners registered for the 25K race may not change race distances. 50-mile and 50K runners may switch distances as long as they’ve met the cut-offs (see above) but are eligible for awards only in the distance for which they registered. If you have registered for either the 50K or 50-mile, and you decide prior to the start to switch distances, please inform registration – this allows registration to issue you the correct bib for the distance registered. If you have registered for the 50K or 50-mile races and you decide to switch after your start, please make your decision before you reach the finish line area of your second loop to know which mat you will be crossing—the FINISH mat or the LAP mat. 50-milers who cross the LAP mat after the 50K distance and then decide not to go on for the 50 miles will then have to cross the FINISH mat to record their finish time for the 50K. However, switching after your start disqualifies you from awards.
• Continuing After Each Loop: Each time you come through the lap area and intend to go on for the next lap, you must do this within a reasonable period of time after going through the aid station. If you meet the cut-off time, but linger at the aid station and the cut-off time lapses, you will not be permitted to continue because you didn’t start the next loop BEFORE the cut-off time.
• Disqualification: Anyone who does not comply with these rules risks disqualification as well as being banned from any future Finger Lakes 50s event.

• Temperature During Race: If the temperature exceeds 80° F, as it often does on race day, it’s wise to carry enough water to last for at least an hour or two.
• Don’t Let The Cows Out! You will be running through three pastures that have cows (and possibly a bull.) These animals are naturally curious and sometimes like to follow you. You MUST close the gates behind you! DON’T LET THE COWS OUT, and do not antagonize the animals. We cannot and will not be accountable for animal actions or injuries resulting from irresponsible behavior. Please do not wish to put future editions of this race in jeopardy!
• Horses and People on the Trails: The trails are open to the public. You may encounter other people, forest rangers, and/or horseback riders. If you come upon a horse, please announce yourself to make sure that the horse and rider know that you are approaching and walk past the horse to avoid startling the animal. Please be courteous to any non-racing individuals enjoying the trails. They have just as much right to be out there as you do.
• Your Health and Well-being: You are responsible for your own health and well-being—please know your abilities and take care of yourself. There will be Wilderness Search and Rescue personnel around the course to assist you in the event of an emergency—let’s do our best to ensure they are bored. If it appears that you are becoming physically or mentally impaired during the race, race officials and/or volunteers have the right to pull you from the race. If you are asked to stop, you must comply.
• Dogs at the Race: It’s preferred to not have dogs at the race—it gets crowded, and in past years we’ve had dogs get in fights and runners get tripped by dogs. If you do bring your dog, dogs are not permitted near any of the aid stations. If you go to an aid station with your dog, you must stay clear at a distance from the actual aid station so your dog doesn’t get in the way of runners and volunteers. Dogs are not permitted to run with any racer or pacer. Dogs must stay on a leash at all times with a responsible adult. For more info, go to the FAQ page (second to the last question).
• Assisting Runners: Family/friends who drive around the course to see their runners MUST be aware that runners will be crossing and/or running on portions of various forest roads. Crew members—please drive slowly and cautiously. If you are at an aid station to assist a runner, you need to stay clear of the actual aid station so you don’t get in the way of volunteers assisting other runners. We have very capable and helpful volunteers at our stations. Extra people stepping in creates confusion for the volunteers who are trying to help and track the registered runners.
• No Fireworks: Yeah, it’s close to the Fourth of July, but fireworks are prohibited per National Forest permit regulations. As is gambling. So leave that slot machine at home!

• No dogs, headphones, or jogging strollers are allowed. These make the race dangerous for everyone.
• The race directors reserve the right to reject any entry for any reason.
• Entry fees are non-refundable, even if the race is canceled because of an act of nature or mankind.
• This race is organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club and insured by the Road Runners Club of America.

Course records for the current course (including the South Slope Loop), beginning in 2010.

Race	Category	Name	Time	Year
50M	Men	Brian Rusiecki	6:46:30	2010
50M	Women	Riley Brady	7:40:59	2021
50M	Masters Men	Jack Pilla	6:54:21	2010
50M	Masters Women	Nancy Kleinrock	9:03:09	2012
50K	Men	Michael Heimes	4:19:20	2018
50K	Women	Sarah Briggs	4:34:59	2021
50K	Masters Men	Michael Heimes	4:19:20	2018
50K	Masters Women	Nancy Kleinrock	5:02:23	2010
25K	Men	Jeff Powers	1:49:25	2016
25K	Women	Nora McIver-Sheridan	2:13:50	2012
25K	Masters Men	Dan Timmerman	1:54:39	2021
25K	Masters Women	Audrey Balander	2:33:06	2010

Course records prior to 2010, for the old course including the Searsburg Road section

Race	Category	Name	Time
50M	Men	Leigh Schmitt	6:38:46
50M	Women	Aliza LaPierre	7:28:41
50M	Masters Men	Jack Pilla	6:55:33
50M	Masters Women	Barb Bellows	8:17:12
50K	Men	Michael Wunsch	3:50:28
50K	Women	Rebecca Harman	4:37:13
50K	Masters Men	Courtney Campbell	4:13:17
50K	Masters Women	Nancy Kleinrock	4:52:38
25K	Men	Chris Byler	1:42:06
25K	Women	Katherine Danner	2:03:57
25K	Masters Men	Eric Grimm	1:47:40
25K	Masters Women	Linda Grossman	2:06:15

Volunteering for the Finger Lakes 50s can be fun. It’s a great way to make friends and get you psyched to run your first ultra if you’re new to the scene. The race depends on 50 to 60 volunteers. To find out more, please see: Volunteer at the Finger Lakes 50s.

In addition to free camping at the staging area, there are a number of options for B&B, Air BnB, hotels/motels, and camping elsewhere in the Finger Lakes region near the Finger Lakes National Forest. There are lots of options for restaurants as well. Take a look here for a list of options:

See a list of nearby lodging and restaurants.

The race could not happen without the support of all of our sponsors. (Coming soon!)

Still have questions? Check our FAQ, or contact us at FL50s@fingerlakesrunners.org.

2022

FLRC Race Photos

2017

FLRC’s Race Report and Results

Facebook Photo Album

Ultrarunning Magazine – Finger Lakes 50s: Wetter Than Ever

The Secrets of Running (vlog) – The Insane Conclusion to All the Training

Andrew Styer, for Race Report Central

Tim Hardy – 568 Minutes at the 2017 Finger Lakes 50 Mile/50K

2016

2015

Ultrarunning Magazine – Can’t Get Any Muddier!

John Zachary’s Photo Gallery

50M Women’s Winner Laura Perry

Jason Mintz – Finger Lakes 50-Miler: A Muddy Mess

2014

Photo Gallery from John Zachary

Pete Kresock – Keeping the Cows In: A Finger Lakes 50s Race Report

Scott Dawson – Finger Lakes 50K

Ron Heerkens Jr. – What the Muck?

Photographer Vincent Wai Him Hui’s Time-Lapse Video

Trail Runner Magazine – 20 Beginner-Friendly Trail Ultras

2012

North Brooklyn Runners – Finger Lakes 50s Race Report

Mountain Peak Fitness – Laura Swift’s 2012 Finger Lakes 50s Race Report

Finger Lakes National Forest Information

Finger Lakes National Forest Non-discrimination Document