Parallel of Latitude 8 Hour Endurance Run Dryden, NY   Sep 26, 2026

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. 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? A parallel of latitude is an imaginary line that circles the Earth, parallel to the Equator. These lines are used in geographic coordinate systems to define locations north or south of the Equator. The race course is aligned very closely to the 42nd parallel north, the line of latitude that passes through the Finger Lakes region of New York, including Dryden, where the race takes place.

Elevation Gain: Little to none.

Course
The course is a 3.45-mile out-and-back. From the big pavilion in Dryden Lake Park, head out on the path and take a right on the access road. Continue on the connector trail to the Jim Schug Trail, taking a left. Continue 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 surveyor flags stuck in the ground, along with other signage (including but not limited to a turn around sign and arrows).

Awards
Solo Division: 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 goodies.

Relay Division: Each member of the relay team will receive a matching custom finisher stone which will have the team’s total mileage added when the team finishes for the day, regardless of their distance. Each member of the team who completes the most miles will receive a larger, matching concrete stone and other goodies.

Lifetime miles accumulate every year you participate in the race. You will receive a special award when you reach designated intervals. These awards are separate from the race day award, which you will still receive in addition to the lifetime mileage award.