9 Hours for 9 Lives Ultra

Pound the Ground 5K Run/Walk for Veterans Outreach Center

Mendon Ponds Park (95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY) | Stewart Lodge

Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Registration Starts at 5pm. Race Starts at 6:30 PM

Virtual PTG 5K: August 20th - 23rd, 2026 (please see instructions below on how to submit your time)

Veterans Outreach Center is excited to be able to host the Pound the Ground 5K Run/Walk in-person and virtually this year! Lace up your running shoes and get ready to run, walk, or stroll for veterans!

Every step you take supports the men, women, and families served by Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester.

• $25 Early Bird Registration starts April 1st until June 30th

• $35 Registration from July 1st until Thursday, August 20th

• $20 Registration for all Active Military and Veterans

• $35 Virtual 5K Registration

Packet Pickup

• TBD at Fleet Feet @ The Armory - 155 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620 - Once announced, If you can go to this packet pickup please do, to alleviate race day lines.

• Race Day Packet Pickup on the day of the race starting at 5 PM in the Stewart Lodge

On-site registration available via Smartphone & credit card only. Race Day Registration closes at 6:00pm.

How the PTG 5K Event Works:

• Participants who register by August 8th will receive a free cotton t-shirt (after this date, it will be first come/first serve)

• Event bib & chip timing

• Results provided online after the event

• Swag Bag for registrants

• Post-race snacks & water

How the PTG Virtual 5K Event Works:

• Participants who register by August 8th are guaranteed a free cotton t-shirt

• Virtual results can be submitted between 6:30PM, August 20th, and 11:59 PM, August 23rd

• After completing your run/walk, submit your time here, & we'll make arrangements for you to pick up your swag bag containing fun goodies

• If you are participating virtually, please contact Jarie Doberstein for your T-shirt/swag bag pick up. Jarie can be contacted at [email protected] or by calling 585.295.7810

Active Military & Veterans--You can join a team during registration for bragging rights of the best Branch in Rochester! The coveted Golden Boot is up for grabs again this year! Active duty military, active reservists, and veterans can sign up to run with members from their branch. The quickest team gets their branch name on the boot! Will anyone stop the Army from winning again this year?

If you are a company looking to join the Corporate Road Warrior category with multiple sign-ups? Contact Jarie Doberstein directly. We can work with you to get this accomplished.

To learn more about Pound the Ground, please contact Jarie Doberstein via [email protected] or at 585.295.7810.

Dairy Discovery 5K and Fun Run!

Description: This is our 6th Annual Dairy Discovery 5K and Fun Run designed to connect our community with local dairy farmers and products. Race will start AND END at the Milk Pail. For our friends and supporters who can't make it to the beautiful finger lakes area of New York we will also offer a VIRTUAL race option.

When: September 12, 2026

5k Start Time: 9:00am

Free Kids Fun Run Start: 10am

Where: The Milk Pail @ 1099 Co Rd 7, Shortsville, NY 14548

Prizes: Top 5 Women and Men will receive awards

Cost: For the in-person starts at $20 and slowly increases to $30. Virtual race is $30 to cover shipping costs. Includes custom 5k apparel and finisher medal

Register by July 31, 2026 to Guarantee your apparel size (Apparel sizes will be first come first serve at packet pickup if you sign up after the 31th!)

Packet Pickup:

Friday, Sept 11th 5:30pm - 6:30pm at the Milk Pail

Saturday, Sept 12th 7:30am - 8:45am at the Milk Pail

Virtual Option: We understand the changing times these days and want to offer a Virtual option for those who would like to offer support but run on their own time, or for those who can not attend that day but still want to support and be apart of the race! (and yes, you still get apparel AND medal for finishing even virtually)

Post Race Event: Join us at the Milk Pail for refreshments, activities, lawn games, and awards ceremony following the race (Approx 10:15 am) The Milk Pail will be open from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on race day!

More info on some of our host farms:

http://willowbendfarms.com/the-milk-pail/

https://sites.google.com/view/el-vifarms/home

Do you like loopy fun with runny friends where you get to see reindeer on every loop? Yes? Then Sleigh Me Ultras is for YOU! This event takes place at the Shortsville Reindeer Farm and features a one mile loop on foot friendly grass/trail terrain with very little elevation. There are some roots but nothing to climb over. You choose how many miles you want to "rack" up. There will be a fully stocked aid station located in the barn, pizzas at noon, and you are welcome to set up your own station with whatever else you may need. Yes, there really are reindeer! There's chickens too, and honey bees, and maple trees, and a dog named Clancy! Bring your friends and family!

The 48 Hour option starts Friday evening. All other races, you can choose to start at the top of any hour over the weekend! We mark loops by hand. We will mark your start/finish times on the board! Results get loaded on runsignup in spreadsheet format so you can verify your results!

Proceeds from Sleigh Me Ultras benefit ROCovery Fitness! https://www.rocoveryfitness.org/about.html

Check out the Shortsville Reindeer Farm here! https://www.shortsvillereindeer.com/

Short and sweet FAQ's

Q: What will be at the aid station? A: chips, pretzels, candy, cheese quesadillas, pb&j, pickles, cookies, ramen, coffee, hot water, electrolyte drink (gatorade or skratch), and more! Personal pizzas at lunchtime on Saturday. Pasta or Taco bar on Sunday. I have an electric griddle and a big blackstone grill you are welcome to use as well.

Q: Can I set up my own aid station? A: YES! There's plenty of room to set up a tent and your own aid right along the course.

Q: What if the weather is yucky? A: There is a wonderful barn that we can camp under as needed.

Q: Can I access my car? A: YES! Your car will be right along the course within view.

Q: Can I bring celebratory alcohol? A: This isn't an alcohol free event but the proceeds from this supports ROCovery so I request that you don't promote it.

Q: Can I bring my dog? A: No

Q: Is there electricity to charge my devices? A: YES!

Q: Is there a shower? A: No. There is a hose with potable water if you don't mind cleaning up in front of everyone.

Q: Is there professional timing? A: No. We will mark our own loops and myself and others will try to ensure you don't miss any marking. Results are loaded to runsignup in spreadsheet format for verification if you need it.

Q: Can I really start anytime? A: YES! You may start any race at the top of any hour. We will mark your start time on the board.

Q: What time can I show up on Friday? A: Please don't show up before 2:00. If 48 Hour participants need more time, please email me to request and we will work it out but know that I will be busy preparing for you.

Got more questions? Ask away! I'm here for you!

Martha

Bound for the Hounds 6 Hour Ultra is being held to raise funds to support our local dog park! Runners and walkers will have 6 hours to complete as many 2.3 mile out-and-backs of the Manchester Gateway Trail as they choose. The trail is made of packed cinder and pavement (similar to the canal path) and has gentle rollers that seem to grow as the day goes on. *Your canine companions are welcome as long as they are well-behaved on a leash at all times!

*The race director reserves the right to ask a dog's human to remove their dog from the event if any issues arise.