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 cut-offs, 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.

Race Director: Heather Cobb; cobb.heather.m@gmail.com

If you’ve never run a trail race before, check out our First-Timers FAQs for Trail Races.

Online pre-registration is required and is open through 12:00 PM (noon) Friday, September 27, 2024. There is no in-person, same-day registration at the race, so plan ahead.

$50 until midnight Wednesday, September 18
$80 from September 19 to 12:00 PM (noon) on Friday, September 27

• FLRC members may deduct $5 by entering coupon code FLRCMEMBER2024 during the registration process.
• Runners 18 and under may register for free by entering coupon code FLRCYOUTH during the registration process.
• If financial considerations would prevent you from entering this race, please use coupon code FLRCRUNFREE2024 during registration to waive the entry fee.

Coupons expire at midnight Wednesday, September 18.

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.

FLRC encourages runners to carpool to make the race more inclusive for those without cars, help fight climate change, and make a friend—link coming soon.

Race day is Saturday September 28, 2024. Your race does not have to start at 8:00 AM, though it is more convenient for race coordination and the timing team if you are able to pick up your bib before then. The race clock starts at 8:00 AM, and stops at 4:00 PM. You can be out on the course for as much or as little as you like during that time.

8-Hour: William Thierfelder 51.75 (2024), Kelly Gillen 41.4 (2024)

• Absolutely no littering! Carry-in, carry-out, or throw it in a trash bag at the aid station. Those found littering will be disqualified!
• Do not bother the timing team for any reason other than letting them know you are ending your race. They have a very important job to do, and any distraction can make them miss a participant. Unnecessary badgering of the timing team by a participant or their crew member(s) may be grounds for disqualification.
• Bib Numbers: Wear your bib on the front part of your body so the timing team can read it. You may fold your bib so just the numbers are showing. If your bib is not visible, be prepared to tell the timing team your bib number.
• Personal crew/aid tents: You may set up your own personal space for aid in the two pavilions in the park. They are available on a first-come first-serve basis and cannot be chosen before 7:00 AM on race day. If you do not want to take a chance on getting a spot in one of the pavilions, feel free to bring a pop-up/EZ-up tent to set up in the grass by the big pavilion (race HQ). Space is available on a first-come first-serve basis and you may not set up your tent before 7:00 AM on race day. The tent size for one participant should be around 10’x10′. If more than one participant is using a tent, it can exceed these dimensions, but use common sense.
• Continuing on for another loop: When you finish a parallel of latitude and plan on continuing your race, approach the timing team so they can see your bib, or call out your bib number to them. DO THIS FIRST before heading to the aid station or to your crew spot. Work together with the timing team and make their life easier. You do not need to let the timing team know when you are headed out for your next loop.
• Ending your race: Once you are entirely sure you are done for the day, ring the cowbell and let the timing team or race director know. You are welcome (and encouraged) to stay and cheer for other participants or help out at the aid station. However, you must remove your bib so we do not think you are still participating.
• 4:00 PM cut off: Any loop that is not completed by 4:00 PM will not be counted toward your total mileage for the day. Participants may not begin their last loop any later than 3:45 PM. If you finish your last loop after 4:00 PM, your mileage will default to your last completed loop before 4:00 PM.
• Receiving aid anywhere other than the start/finish is not allowed and may be grounds for disqualification.

• There are no mileage or elapsed time cutoffs. The only cutoff time is 4:00 PM.
• The two pavilions in the park are available for participant use on a first-come first-serve basis. If you don’t want to take a chance, bring your own tent to set up on the grass by the large pavilion.
• Alcohol is allowed in the park. Glass containers are not allowed for any type of beverage.
• The park bathrooms will be available for use.
• One well-stocked aid station is located at the start/finish in the park.
• A mid-day lunch will be provided for race participants and volunteers.
• If you or a family member won’t be participating in the race for one reason or another, please consider volunteering.
• Results will be available soon after the race; visit the FLRC web site for full results.
• For remaining questions, contact the race director at cobb.heather.m@gmail.com.

The course is a 3.45-mile out-and-back. From the big pavilion in Dryden Lake Park, run on the path and take a right on the access road. Continue on the connector trail to the Jim Schug Trail, taking a left. Run to where the trail ends at E Lake Rd., turn around, and return the same way, taking a right on the connector trail back to the pavilion. The course will be marked with alternating blue and pink surveyor flags stuck in the ground, along with occasional arrows, wrong way signs, and a turn around sign.

Download the .GPX file.

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 a gift card. To keep participants on their toes, the race director will be giving away other prizes throughout the day.

• The course is very flat and mostly straight, but will be well-marked. As with all runs, it’s on you to pay attention. More about the course and markings under the “COURSE” section.
• Insect bites, ticks, mud, harmless snakes, and vehicles at road crossings are all possible hazards.
• Heat could be a problem this time of year. If so, carry fluids and watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion!
• Cold weather could also be a problem. If so, bring warm clothes for after the race to prevent hypothermia.

• Awards are governed by FLRC’s Award Equity Policy.
• All runners, volunteers, and spectators must abide by FLRC’s Code of Conduct.
• Cutoff times: there are no mileage or elapsed time cutoffs. The only cutoff time is 4:00 PM.
• Parking: available in designated spots in the park or by the dam less than a quarter of a mile away.
• Please observe the no-parking signs.
• Pacers are not allowed. Make a new friend on the course and keep each other company/accountable.
• No dogs, headphones, or jogging strollers.
• No cowbells at the start/finish.
• The race director reserves 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 humankind. Registration is not deferrable to another year or another person.
• If you need accommodation for a disability to participate in this event, please contact the FLRC Diversity and Inclusion Committee chair at diversity@fingerlakesrunners.org.
• This race is organized by the Finger Lakes Runners Club and insured by the Road Runners Club of America.