Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K)
Finger Lakes Festival of Races offers a scenic trail run through New York's wine country.
Race Date
Sep 25, 2026
Location
Montour Falls, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, September 25, 2026
- Location
- Montour Falls, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 18 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 891
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Finger Lakes Festival of Races in Montour Falls, NY, invites runners to explore the picturesque Catharine Valley Trail. This event, now in its sixth year, offers a variety of distances, including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, making it accessible for many.
The course utilizes the well-maintained, historic rail trail, providing a mostly flat experience with gentle inclines and declines. Runners can expect to enjoy the beauty of the Finger Lakes region, with opportunities to take in the fall foliage and explore local wineries and breweries. The event benefits the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail, adding a community-focused element.
With a median field size of around 150 finishers and participants traveling from approximately 16 states, the festival offers a welcoming atmosphere. Post-race, participants can celebrate with music, food, and drinks, capping off a day of running amidst the natural charm of upstate New York.
Race-provided description
One of the premier Willow Running events is in Montour Falls (Watkins Glen), NY. There will be various race distance on the beautiful Catharine Valley Trail to choose from including the 18M, a great training run for those gearing up for a fall marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5 K distances. The trail is an old Rail Trail that is well maintained all year and easy to navigate with a slight elevation gain heading out and a slight elevation decline heading back to the finish line. Post race enjoy a fun filled celebration with music, food and drinks. This years event will once again benefit the Friends of the Catharine Valley Trail Come enjoy the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, take in the fall foliage, enjoy the many wineries and craft beer locations that dominate the region.
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, September 25, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Custom apparel, finisher medal
Start Location
109 South Genesee Street, Montour Falls, NY, 14865
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Rural, Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
4 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Solid Pick576 years running
~152 finishers a year
shrinking
11% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 16 states
winner 1:29:13
typical high 70°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
70°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
82%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 891 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
891
Median time
2:00:25
Latest turnout
150
States
29
Turnout by year
2020–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K)?
The Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K) is held on Friday, September 25, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K) take place?
It takes place in Montour Falls, New York.
What distances does the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K) offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 18 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K) course flat and good for a PR?
The Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K) is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K)?
HalfRuns has finish records for 891 runners who have completed the Finger Lakes Festival of Races (18M,13.1M,10K& 5K).
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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