Finger Lakes 50S
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Finger Lakes 50s
The Finger Lakes 50s is a trail ultramarathon held in the Finger Lakes National Forest near Hector, NY. The event offers three distances that use the same loop course and start and finish at the Potomac Group Campground.
Distances:
- 25K (approximately 16.5 miles)
- 50K (approximately 33 miles)
- 50 mile
The course is a 16.5 mile loop composed mostly of singletrack (about 85%), with grassy pastures that may contain grazing cows and cow pies, and dirt roads. Each loop includes roughly 1,300 feet of elevation gain. Fifty mile runners complete three full loops plus a short extra loop to reach the full distance. Runners pass six aid station stops per loop.
Course markings use blue arrows on white signs and pink flagging; other trail blazes should be ignored. The route includes boardwalks that can be slippery and broken, and sections with two-way traffic where runners should keep to the right. There are time cutoffs for continuing to longer distances; failing to meet cutoffs can change a finish to a shorter distance or result in a DNF.
Key policies include a prohibition on in-ear or over-the-ear headphones (bone-conducting headsets are permitted), a strict no littering rule, visible bibs with timing devices, and no bandit runners. Pacers are allowed only for 50 mile runners on the third loop and the final short loop; pacers must register, be at least 18 years old, and may not carry items for the runner. Parking is limited to the west side of Potomac Road and camping at race headquarters is offered free for event participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
