5 running, walking, and fun run events in City of Canandaigua, New York

HOW REGISTRATION WORKS

The event is comprised of 24, 1-hour games in a row and is open to men's and women's teams of all ages and abilities. Every team that registers plays in at least one, 1-hour game and will be matched with an opposing team of similar age and abilities

If you register as a dual-slot, your team will have the entire hour with no opposing team schedule, and choose how you wish to play for that hour.

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.

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!