Pound the Ground 5K for Veterans Outreach Center

The Canandaigua Mile is a 1-mile running race down Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua, for elites, competitive runners, and hobby joggers alike! The flat course boasts beautiful views along the Canandaigua Lake shoreline, and will surely be the fastest mile in the Finger Lakes.

Higher Peaks Racing is proud to partner with the the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, Canandaigua Business Improvement District, and Footprints Running camp to bring attention to our local businesses, raise awareness and research funding for water quality issues in Canandaigua Lake, and bring the community together.

Welcome to the Crosswinds Run Series! Join us in Canandaigua for a late-summer tradition that’s been bringing runners, walkers, families and the community together for over 23 years. Formerly known as the Crosswinds 5K, the Crosswinds Run Series now offers multiple race-day options designed for all ages and abilities; whether you’re chasing a PR, enjoying a scenic walk or supporting a great local cause.

5K Run/Walk

Our iconic, USA Track & Field-certified course is as fun as it is challenging, perfect for walkers, first-time racers and competitive runners alike. You’ll enjoy an exhilarating downhill first mile through the City of Canandaigua, followed by the well-known climb up West Lake Road, and finish strong on the rolling hills of Ferris Hills.

10K Run

Introduced to the series last year and back by popular demand, the 10K builds on the tradition of the 5K’s hills with a longer, more demanding route for seasoned runners looking for a rewarding challenge. This USATF-certified course has a 90-minute time limit, after which roads will reopen to traffic.

Kids Fun Run

A half-mile course entirely on the event campus, perfect for young runners (preschool through 5th grade). It’s a safe, energetic, and memorable way for kids to experience race day. Every child receives:

• Race t-shirt

• Finisher’s medal

• Access to a fun post-race snack table

More Than a Race

The Crosswinds Run Series is more than a finish line, it’s a movement with a mission. All proceeds benefit The Spot, a local organization providing free school supplies, clothing, food and shoes to students in need across the Canandaigua and Victor School districts. Thanks to runners, walkers, volunteers and business sponsors, last year’s event raised $13,400 for The Spot. With the continued growth of the Run Series, our goal is simple: make an even bigger impact in 2026.

Are You Ready to Commit?

Whether you’re here to tackle the hills, cheer from the sidelines, or support local kids in a meaningful way, the Crosswinds Run Series offers something for everyone.

Join us and be part of a tradition that truly gives back!

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

Schedule

• 6:30 AM - 50 Mile for early starters

• 7:30 AM - 50 Mile for regular starters

• 10:00 AM - 50 Km start

• 7:30 PM - finish closes

CanLake Ultras 50 Miler

Run one big road loop around the most beautiful Finger Lake in Western New York. The course is mostly flat to rolling roads with several major climbs, including the locally famous Bopple Hill.

MapMyRun link to 50M Race Course

CanLake Ultras 50Km

Run point-to-point over the final 31 miles of the 50-mile route. With significantly less climbing and descending than the first 19 miles of the 50-mile route, the 50K is more friendly for first-time ultra runners and a logical step up from the marathon.

MapMyRun link to 50Km Race Course

Personal Handler

Having a personal handler at CanLake Ultras is a privilege and perk that we are happy to provide. However, with this privilege comes the responsibility of learning and following the safety rules of the race. Make sure that your personal handlers follow the safety rules, or your result will be disqualified. The waiver you will electronically sign includes the following text.

PERSONAL HANDLER WAIVER. (For runners that plan to use personal handler at the CanLake Ultras) I accept full responsibility for the personal handler(s) actions that personal handler(s) will familiarize themselves with and follow all safety rules outlined in the Race Handbook. Failure to follow safety rules by the personal handler(s) -intentional or unintentional - will result in the runner's DISQUALIFICATION.

Join the CanLake50 Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/CanLake50/, where you can pose questions to other race participants.

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.