ABOUT
2026 brings back the OG 8-hour solo option, and from 2025 the 8-hour relay of 2-6 people and popular optional mini parallel of latitudes in the park during the last hour for even more mileage! 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? 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.
Online pre-registration is required and is open through 12:00 PM (noon) Friday, September 25, 2026. There is no in-person, same-day registration at the race, so plan ahead.
WHERE & WHEN
Race day is Saturday September 26, 2026. 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 & LIFETIME MILEAGE
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.
RELAY RACE
Relay teams may consist of 2-6 members and can run the entire 8 hours. See our website for full details.
MINI PARALLEL OF LATITUDES
During the last hour of the race, mini parallel of latitudes may be completed in the park. These are optional and will count toward the mileage total. Only complete loops will be valid; no credit will be given for partial loops. You or your relay team is responsible for keeping track of how many mini loops are completed.
MORE INFO
More info including in-depth course info, volunteer sign-up, race rules, policies, and warnings can be found on our website .