ROCovery Annual Run/Walk & X-Challenge

The Trail Collective: run. move. fuel. | powered by Medved

April 11 & 12, 2026

Mendon Ponds Park | Stewart Lodge

This is not a race, not a retreat. It is an immersive trail running clinic built to help you move better, build durability, and train with intention.

The clinics include:

• Challenging movement

• Real conversations

• Practical takeaways

• Post run snacks

• Mid-day meal to enjoy with fellow trail runners

• Swag bags

Saturday | Women’s Clinic Day

8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

An instruction-forward day designed for women who want to understand their bodies and train with clarity.

The Experience

1-Hour Guided Educational Trail Run

• We will offer multiple groups, so every participant feels supported and appropriately challenged.

• Foundational Group – Designed for those who want to pause, ask questions, and break down trail mechanics. We will discuss footing, climbing and descending techniques, trail awareness, and stewardship. This group prioritizes learning over pace.

• Progression Group – For runners who want education woven into a more continuous effort; fewer stops and more opportunities to challenge the terrain.

Demo & Fit with HOKA

• Test the Challenger 8 and Speedgoat 7 with proper fitting provided by the team at Medved. Learn how footwear functions as a tool, not a trend.

Tendon Resilience & Performance Session with Dr. Mitch Long, Rove Chiropractic

• Why mileage alone does not create durability.

• How strength improves force control and running economy.

• Walk away with a simple, realistic strength progression you can start immediately.

Female-Specific Nutrition Education with Natalie Thompson, Certified Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach

• Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle and perimenopause.

• Bone health considerations, iron deficiency, RED-S, and what to watch for.

• Fueling differences between easy days and hard efforts.

• Enjoy an athlete specific meal prepared by Natalie.

Sunday | Open Clinic Day

8:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Sunday delivers the same intentional experience for men and women who want to move smarter and train with purpose. Instead of a deep dive into nutrition, the afternoon shifts to gear-focused reviews and practical equipment guidance to help you make confident, informed choices for the trail.

The Experience

Guided Educational Trail Runs

• We will offer multiple groups, so every participant feels supported and appropriately challenged.

• Foundational Group – Designed for those who want to pause, ask questions, and break down trail mechanics. We will discuss footing, climbing and descending techniques, trail awareness, and stewardship. This group prioritizes learning over pace.

• Progression Group – For runners who want education woven into a more continuous effort; fewer stops and more opportunities to challenge the terrain with skill development led by Cole Crosby

Demo Run Education with HOKA

• Learn the difference between hybrid and trail specific shoes. Understand why the brand was born on dirt, not pavement.

• Demo the Challenger 8 and Speedgoat 7 with a proper size fit with the Medved staff.

Strength for Runners Who Aren’t into Strength Dr. Mitch Long, Rove Chiropractic

• Build durability without living in the gym.

• Understand stress versus capacity.

• Implement low-dose strategies to reduce flare-ups and stay consistent.

• Learn a simple, strength progression to implement immediately

Instinct Trail Inspired Gear Clinic & Lunch

• Hands-on discussion about Instinct hydration equipment that supports your goals.

• Enjoy a meal with fellow trail runners to kickback & refuel from the day’s activities.

What to Bring

• Running and weather-appropriate gear

• A change of clothes

• Yoga mat

• Your questions & an open mind

More about our Experts

• Natalie Thompson - Certified Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach and accomplished trail runner.

• Natalie is a Nutritionist and health coach who has taught Nutrition for over 15 years and who currently works as a Nutritionist/Health Coach for UR Mechanic Employee Wellness. "As a health and wellness coach I aim to support others in their pursuit of a healthful lifestyle and healthy behaviors. I facilitate self-discovery and self-understanding to help people identify where in their life they feel ready and able to make changes for their health. I assist my clients in creating a vision for themselves, and manageable goals to help move them towards their ideal level of wellness. We troubleshoot obstacles and barriers as they arise, and we take time to acknowledge all the small wins along the way. My professional interests include work-based wellness culture, wearable technology for health and fitness, program development and program management, access to healthy food and healthy spaces to be active, food systems and food production."

• Find out more: Natalie Thompson

• Dr. Mitch Long - Founder of Rove Chiropractic and a former track and field athlete.

• He helps runners and active adults build strength so they can stay consistent and avoid setbacks. Mitch uses what he learned from competitive sport to help everyday athletes train with purpose and confidence. His goal is simple: help people build a body that can handle the miles and enjoy the long run.

• Find out more: Dr. Mitch Long

The 2026 Rochester River Run Returns to Genesee Valley Park on Sunday, April 19!

You can run or walk in-person or participate virtually from any location you choose. Simply pre-register for your preferred participation level using the options above.

Live 5K ~ 10:30am start

• Registration increases to $45 at 12:00 a.m. day-of race on Sunday, April 19.

• Day-of registrants are not guaranteed a race shirt!

(size quantities are limited to first come–first serve)

• Day-of race registration fees are payable via credit card only.

• Cash and checks will only be accepted for donations and merchandise.

• Children are welcome to attend this family-friendly event.

Remember to pre-register by 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 18 to receive the pre-registration rate of $35!

Join us for C.U.R.E.’s Family-Friendly 5K & Fun Walk! We’ll kick off the day at MCC and hit the course together for a fun, feel-good event that brings our community together.

This is one of C.U.R.E.’s biggest and most loved fundraisers—especially among our C.U.R.E. Families! Whether you’re racing the 5K or enjoying a one-mile walk, you’ll be surrounded by encouragement, energy, and hopeful hearts every step of the way.

As C.U.R.E. celebrates 50 years of supporting local Families affected by childhood cancer and blood disorders ,we invite participants to help carry that legacy forward by fundraising. Every dollar raised stays local and provides critical support to Families when they need it most. Plus, the more you fundraise, the bigger the prizes! Check out this year’s incentives under the C.U.R.E. Champion tab.

Post run/walk, we invite you to join us for the Post-Race Celebration right across the street for games, music and more! Location: 103 White Spruce Blvd. Rochester, NY 14623

Day of Timeline:

8a: Walk-In Registration Opens for Walkers & Runners

9a: Kickoff for Runners!

9:10a: Kickoff for Walkers!

9:30a: Post-Race Celebration begins!

Run our Trails Series:

Run our Trails will be the the LAST Tuesday of every month (April - September) We will be reserving the rotating parks in Mendon Ponds Park for restroom access. The plan is to run the various trails around Mendon Ponds Park, each month will be a different trail with a slightly different distance as well.

When:

Race 1 - April 28 Hopkins Point

Race 2 - May 26 West Lodge

Race 3 - June 30 Canfieldwoods

Race 4 - July 28 Calvary House

Race 5 - August 25 Lookout Shelter

Race 6 - September 29 Hopkins Point

Where: Hopkins Point

Time: 6:15pm - Each Month

Cost: $100 - Series OR $25.00 per race

(Kids/Young adults under 18 years of age are $50.00 or $11.00 per race)

Distance:

April - 3ish Miles

May - 4ish Miles

June - 5ish Miles

July - 5ish Miles

August - 4ish Miles

September - 3ish Miles

Vibe: Low frills, everyone encouraging each other to do their best. Fast times, slow times... lets make some memories. People of all speeds and abilities are welcome and encouraged.

What you get: Officially timed race, live results, series leaderboard, a chance for prizes for each race. Each month you run you are entered into the series race page to see how your time stacks up throughout the entire series

Post Race:

Beer for 21+, soft drinks and water for all

Pizza for all

Results will be uploaded online following the race.

Parking: Various Lodges within Mendon Ponds Park

Bathrooms: Will be open within the Park

Series Runners SWAG: First 90 who Sign up will get a Run Our Trails shoe bag! Limited edition. Most likely will increase in value and will be worth millions on eBay in 10-15 years.

-or-

grab a discount

-or-

an RRC gift card! Your choice.

Packet Pickup: Packet Pickup for ALL RACES

Monday Prior to Race Day: 12-6 at Rochester Running Company

Tuesday DAY OF RACE: 11- 3 at Rochester Running Company (hard cut off at 3PM) and 5:30 - 6:00 PM at the course

Run our River: Sign Up

Join us on the SECOND Tuesday of every month for a 5K race along the river. The course will remain the same throughout the summer so you'll get the chance to compare your progress throughout the year.

The Madness Will Consist of Two Separate Races.

1. The Long Course will be roughly 13 miles. There is an early start option for the Long Course. If you'd expect a trail half marathon to take you more than three hours please sign up for the early start.

2. The Short Course will be roughly five miles. There will not be an early start option for the Short Course.

The races are estimated distances and the course will be set on race day. The course is different each year because of varying trail conditions. Here are the course maps from last year:

• Long Course 2021

• Short Course 2021

There will be one basic aid station for Long Course event. You must carry your hydration and nutrition needs with you.

THE BARBECUE IS BACK!

After the race, stick around for our post race BBQ. Please bring your lawn chair or blanket and enjoy.

Packet Pickup: Saturday, May 2nd at Medved Running and Walking Outfitters from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. We will have packet pickup on the morning of the race for those who are unable to pick their packet up. PLEASE PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET ON SATURDAY IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.

MEDVED MADNESS FAQS

Where is the race?

• STEWART LODGE, Mendon Ponds Park

Where can I park?

• You can park in the beach parking lot or along the roads of Mendon Ponds Park but don’t be a jerk. Be respectful of the park, the course and other participants.

What time does the race start?

• Early Start (for those registered only) @ 7:30 am

• Long Course @ 8:00am

• Short Course @ 9:00am

• You may have a little walk from parking to the start line. Please plan on arriving early.

Can I change distances?

• Sure, but why would you?

• Any changes must be done prior to race day.

Is there a Course Map?

• An estimated course map is posted on the RunSignUp page.

• Long Course will be ~13 miles

• Short Course will be ~5 miles

Is there an Aid Station

• Yes, there will be a basic Aid Station for the Long Course this will be around the 5-6 mile mark.

What time is the BBQ?

• Food will be ready ~11:00am

Bathrooms

• There are indoor bathrooms. The bathrooms will not be open until 7:15 am. There are over 350 runners. There will be a long line before the race. Plan accordingly.

Awards

• We will plan to do the award ceremony around 11:30am

Can I exchange my shirt size?

• You can exchange with any leftover shirts on race day

Why can't I run with my dog?

• Our insurance doesn't allow it.

• We run through a portion of the park that does not permit pets.

• We've had complaints in the past because of uncontrolled dogs on the course.

KIDS RACE

• Each participant should pick up a Kids K bib.

• The race will start at 10:30 am