Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K
Black Diamond Express Half Marathon: a flat, scenic out-and-back on the historic Lehigh Valley Trail.
Race Date
Aug 23, 2026
Location
Mendon, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Location
- Mendon, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K is a small, community-driven race held each August on the Lehigh Valley Trail in Mendon, New York. With around 100 runners and a 30% repeat rate, it's a race that runners return to year after year. The course is a flat, USATF-certified out-and-back on a converted railroad bed, shaded by trees and offering a peaceful forest setting. One runner calls it 'a nice out and back run in the woods' — a perfect description for this low-key event.
The race starts at the Mendon Youth Baseball Fields, with easy parking and plenty of volunteers to guide you. There's no time limit, so it's ideal for beginners or those looking for a relaxed long run. The field draws from about three states, giving it a local feel. After the finish, runners enjoy refreshments and healthy snacks, and half marathon finishers receive a collectible ceramic medal — a unique touch. Registration at $50 includes a long-sleeved t-shirt or mug, making it an exceptional value.
Whether you're seeking a PR-friendly trail half or a scenic, well-organized race to kick off the fall season, the Black Diamond Express delivers. It's a hidden gem that combines small-town charm with a well-run production, earning rave reviews from those who discover it.
Race-provided description
Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K — To benefit the Mendon Foundation - Mendon, New York's local land trust and developer/maintainer of the Lehigh Valley Trail in partnership with the Monroe County Parks Department. (Including virtual option, with option to complete race within one week after race day.) Sunday, August 23, 2026 • Lehigh Valley Trail, Rt. 251, Mendon, NY Half Marathon Starts: 8:00am 5K Starts: 8:20am Course: Flat, scenic out & back course along the historic Lehigh Valley Trail Additional sections of the Lehigh Valley Trail have been resurfaced! Start & end location: Mendon Youth Baseball Fields (https://goo.gl/maps/8ZoNAryJ95q) Half Marathon course is USATF Certified - NY17052JG Includes Long sleeved (unisex) t-shirt OR mug guaranteed to the first 150 (combined) by Sunday, August 2nd. (Once sizes are gone after August 2nd we are out of shirts!) Refreshments and healthy snacks.Collectible ceramic medals for Half Marathon finishers, collectible ceramic lapel pins for 5K finishers. Once again, we are offering Virtual Half Marathon and 5K events! Run the distance within a week after the live race date, and we will mail your selected t-shirt or mug, and a medal (HM) or lapel pin (5K). You can download the race certificate post race and enter your time on the website. Awards Half Marathon: Top 5 (non virtual) Male & Female Cash or Gift awards; plus collectible Race Water Bottles for top 3 in age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+All Half Marathon finishers will receive our beautiful, collectible ceramic finisher’s medal!5K: Top 5 (non virtual) Male & Female Cash or Gift awards; plus collectible Race Water Bottles for top 3 in age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+All 5K finishers will receive our beautiful, collectible ceramic lapel pin! Official Site & Frequently Asked Questions Please visit: https://mendonfoundation.org/black-diamond-express-races/ for more detailed information and answers to your Frequently Asked Questions.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt or Mug
Start Location
3865 Rush Mendon Rd, Mendon, NY, 14506
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Standout7210 years running
~98 finishers a year
shrinking
30% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 3 states
winner 1:26:07
typical high 78°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
62°
Afternoon (High)
78°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K?
The Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K is held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in Mendon, New York.
What distances does the Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Black Diamond Express Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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