17 events in City of Rochester, New York

Fleet Feet Four Season Challenge 2026!

Commit to a year of racing in one of these categories!

Note: This will function similar to 2025 version. You will register as a separate event and not with Winter Warrior Registration. Please be sure to read all the words and rules below associated with the 2026 Four Season Challenge (4SC).

Three Versions to Sign Up For

The 2026 Half Marathon In Person Version will include

• Winter Warrior Half Marathon on Saturday, January 3rd - Sign Up Here

• Flower City Challenge Half Marathon on Sunday, April 26th - Sign Up Here

• Shoreline Half Marathon on Saturday, July 18th - Registration Coming Soon

• Rochester Half Marathon on Sunday, September 20th - Registration Coming Soon

• Ideally all races should be In Person, but if you need to do Virtual that is fine. I mean is Winter Warrior in Florida fair? :) There is a separate Virtual category at a different price point due to the back end logistics of management

The 2026 5Kish in Person Version will include

• Winter Warrior Quarter Marathon on Saturday, January 3rd - this is where the (5Kish) comes in. - Sign Up Here

• Please Note: Winter Warrior Relay is NOT ELIGIBLE for Four Season Challenge and will need to move to the Quarter Marathon

• Flower City Challenge 5K on Sunday, April 26th - Sign Up Here

• Shoreline 5K on Saturday, July 18th - Registration Coming Soon

• Rochester 5K on Sunday, September 20th - Registration Coming Soon

• Ideally all races should be In Person, but if you need to do Virtual that is fine. I mean is Winter Warrior in Florida fair? :) There is a separate Virtual category at a different price point due to the back end logistics of management

The 2026 Virtual Version will include

Please Note: At any time you plan to sign up initially for the Virtual Events noted above you are to sign up for the Virtual Version of Four Season Challenge. If you initially sign up for In Person and need to switch to the Virtual Event due to training or circumstances you can sign up for the In Person 4SC. The Virtual Version of 4SC will operate very differently as there is a greater deal of back end management. We reserve the right to close or cap any Virtual race early.

Amenities

• Four Season Challenge Finisher’s Medal for each event

• Four Season Challenge Unisex Lightweight Water Resistant Jacket

• Special Four Season Challenge designation on your In Person bib for Flower City, Shoreline & Rochester Events, so we can give you your medal post race at the race site

• That incredible feeling you committed yourself to a year long seasonal fitness journey

Processing fees do apply

How this Works (aka the RULES)

• You can sign up for Four Season Challenge Separately by clicking register button above.

• You must complete all 4 events in the Challenge that you register for to be eligible for medals. For example, you must complete all four In Person half marathons if you sign up for the In Person half marathon challenge

• You must sign up for each of the other races in the challenge at your leisure. This way you can budget your entry fees to the other events. But you must be signed up for 4sc by January 2nd so we know how many medals to get. There is not deviation to this date.

• Those entered in the Winter Warrior Relay ARE NOT eligible for Four Season Challenge Series nor finisher medals.

• In other words, by signing up for the Four Season Challenge enters you into the Challenge NOT the respective races in the challenge. You need to do that on your own when registrations open and your budget allows.

• Please register under the same name for each race. Otherwise we will not know to designate you as 4SC for the events.

• The 4SC offer ends January 2nd at 5:45PM. Due to this, so we can get all the medals & shirts ordered, they will not be available at Winter Warrior. BUT we will ship the Winter Warrior one to you when they arrive to the address used to register for Four Season Challenge. This is the only one we will ship. All others will be picked up at the awards table after the other 3 In Person events.

• The other three medals will be available at the awards table after In Person Flower City, Shoreline and Rochester. We will not mail these medals for the In Person

• The Four Season Challenge is a completely manual process, please exercise patience and read all the emails so you are most informed

• We repeat, you must register for each individual race separately but for 4sc and WW by Jan 2.

• No Refunds/Transfers nor Deferrals

You can Register for the Qualifying Four Season Challenge races Here

MARCH 14, 2026 9:30 AM | Mercantile on Main

The ice is melting, the bagpipes are calling, and you're running fast down Main Street towards green donuts and live music. Join us for a fun time, maybe a fast time, and definitely a party time. Rochester's Runnin' of The Green 5-mile is back for it's 28th year.

A 5 mile out and back course along the Genesee River, Runnin' of The Green presented by YMCA of Greater Rochester & UR Medicine, is Rochester's un-official start to the racing season. Run in person or virtually to celebrate the season.

Registrants Receive:

• Runnin' of The Green race medal

• Long Sleeve Shirt while supplies last. Sign up by 2/25 to guarantee shirt size.

• Themed post-race snacks & beverages (green donuts, apples, beer, cider to name a few)

• Free Post Race Party at The Mercantile (live music, games from vendors, and fun!)

• Complementary bag drop for a better post race party

• Additional food and beverages are available for purchase from the great options in the mercantile

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!

Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge

• Rochester Regional Health In-Person Half Marathon, 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile

• Virtual Half Marathon, 5K & Kids 1/2 Mile

• Wheelchair 5K and Half Marathon Options Too

April 26, 2026

Parcel 5 - Rochester, NY - 285 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604

Start Times

• Half Marathon 7:30AM

• 5K 7:40AM

• Kids 1/2 Mile 10:30AM

• Start/Finish Locale at Parcel 5, Rochester, NY featuring incredible downtown Green Space Area fitting for Post Race Party and Athlete's Village

• USATF Certified Course for the Half to incorporate more of downtown and city neighborhoods, sights and sounds

• Part of the Four Season Challenge so you can earn extra schwag including another medal once you complete your Half or 5K

In Person Registration Includes

• Chip Timing

• Online Results

• Post-race Food

• Race Logoed Finisher Medal

Half Marathon Participants receive Cozy Crewneck or Hoody Sweatshirt or Short Sleeve Tech Shirt for post race hangout gear (while supplies last). You choose. Hoody and Crewneck offer ends March 15th. Short Sleeve Tech Top Size guaranteed by March 31st

5K Participants receive a Short Sleeve Unisex Technical Top. Short Sleeve Tech Top Size guaranteed by March 31st

Kids Race get s short sleeve cotton T-shirt for additional $12 plus tx - size guaranteed if registered by March 31st (while supplies last on tops)

• Should tops not be available to choose, we will have vintage race gear you can choose from during Friday & Saturday packet pickup.

• Printable custom finisher certificate

• In-person event

Virtual Registration Includes

• Online Results

• Shipping of shirt & medal if you cannot attend packet pickup (Any packets that are not picked up will be mailed the week after the In-Person event.)

• Finisher Medal

• Half Marathon Participants receive Cozy Crewneck or Hoody Sweatshirt or Short Sleeve Tech Shirt for post race hangout gear (while supplies last). You choose. Hoody and Crewneck offer ends March 15th. Short Sleeve Tech Top Size guaranteed by March 31st.

5K Participants receive a Short Sleeve Unisex Technical Top. Size guaranteed by March 31st

Kids Race get s short sleeve cotton T-shirt for additional $12 plus tx - size guaranteed if registered by March 31st (while supplies last on tops)

• Printable custom finisher certificate

• Complete your race and submit your results between 7am, Sunday, April 26th and 11:59pm, Sunday, May 3rd.

Packet Pickup/Expo *Please Note: the Packet Pickup info below may be subject to change

DO NOT WAIT UNTIL RACE DAY. Others can get their packet for you.

• Friday, April 24th 12-6PM and Saturday, April 25th from 10-4PM at Fleet Feet @ The Armory (155 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620)

• And on race day 6:30AM to 7:15AM SHARP to am at Parcel 5 - Athlete Village

SUPPORTING HOSPICE CARE FOR THE LONG RUN!

Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Sunset House 5K Run and Fitness Walk has traditionally had something for everyone: a fast, challenging, 3.1 mile

course, plenty of food, refreshments and prizes—all within a fun and friendly family atmosphere. This year the event will be held LIVE on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Irondequoit United Church of Christ located at 644 Titus Avenue, Irondequoit, NY. For those of you who are unable to join us on race day, a VIRTUAL option is planned from Friday, May 1st, through Saturday, May 23, 2026.

All proceeds from the race go to Sunset House which provides alternative living arrangements for residents who are unable to receive hospice care services in their own homes. Focusing on quality of life rather than quantity of time, Sunset House supports the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of its residents, allowing them to maintain control during an important time of transition. As one of our community’s most popular and seasoned fundraising event of the year we need your help in meeting our fundraising goal of $35,000 to ensure that Sunset House Hospice continues to provide the dying and their loved ones with support, comfort, and care in a safe, peaceful and loving environment that allows death with dignity and grace. So whether you’re a runner, walker—or somewhere in between— please join us for the LIVE Race or participate VIRTUALLY -- and put your best foot forward for a great organization. This year the Sunset House 5K has been selected as part of the 2026 Greater Rochester

Running Club's "Rochester Runner of the Year Series".

Event Information

LIVE RACE

Start Time: 9 AM Saturday, May 23rd. Race starts and finishes at the Irondequoit United Church of Christ

Price: $30 Race Fee. Price increases to $35 after 5/15/2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

** T-Shirts to the first 250 Registrants**

Packet Pick Up:

Thursday, May 21st - 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Rochester Running Co. - 1387 Mt. Hope Avenue

Friday, May 22nd - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM and on Race Day, May 23rd- 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM Irondequoit United Church of Christ - 644 Titus Avenue

VIRTUAL RACE

Start Time: Friday, May 1, to Saturday, May 23rd, sports enthusiasts are invited to participate by taking a walk around the block or completing a 5K on the streets, trails or treadmill ANYWHERE.

Price: $30 Race Fee. Price increases to $35 after 5/15/2025 at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Post Race Packet Pick Up

The week of May 25th- Sunset House - 3746 St. Paul Blvd. Pick up times will be posted on the Sunset House website.

Join us for our annual Pink & Teal Challenge Walk/Run in-person or virtually!

In-person participants are invited to join us at Monroe Community College Saturday, May 9th.

REGISTER BY MONDAY, APRIL 13TH to be guaranteed a t-shirt!

5k Run: 9:30 am. Walk: 9:45 am. (Option: 3.1 or 2 mile shortcut!). Crowd warm up starts at 9AM led by VAULT.

CHILDREN 5 and Under are FREE and do not need to be registered! (Humans only. Sorry, no pets!)

There will be NO event day registration for this event, so please plan accordingly.

ATTENTION In-Person Participants! Take part in our Costume Contest! Prizes will be given out for BEST INDIVIDUAL and BEST TEAM Costume(s)! Grab your boas, tutus, etc. and join the FUN!

Any runner registering between May 6th-8th will have to wait 24 hours after registering to receive their chipped bib.

Virtual participants may complete their event anytime between 5pm on Friday, May 8th and midnight on Sunday, May 10th.

VIRTUAL 5k Run participants' times will not be considered for their specific age brackets as we are unable to corroborate time and distance. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and will gladly switch your registration to the in-person 5k by request.

*The winner of each of the following Age Groups will receive a small token and "Bragging Rights": 5-15 years, 16 - 25 years, 26 - 35 years, 36 - 45 years, 46 - 55 years, 56 - 65 years, 65+.

NOTE: The Overall Winner takes the place of the 1st person in their age group. Age Groups are subject to change based on registration numbers.

To learn more about our organization visit: Breast Cancer Coalition

The 2026 Fairlife Lilac Run 5K & 10K presented by Fleet Feet will take place on the FINAL day of the Lilac Festival at Highland Park. Both in-person and virtual race experiences will be offered! Join us for the 47th annual race on Sunday, May 17th for the in person Fairlife Lilac Run 5K, 10K presented by Fleet Feet and Tim Hortons Timbits Trot! Choose to run or walk in one, two (Double Dash) or all three events (Double Dash + Tim Hortons Timbits Trot)! If you register for the Double Dash and participate in both the 5K & 10K you will get receive a Lilac item and a custom medal slider. Register by April 30th to be guaranteed a t-shirt!

Time:

• 5K begins at 8:00AM (all 5K participants need to be done by 9:20AM)

• 10K begins at 9:30AM (all 10K participants need to be done by 11:20AM)

• Tim Hortons Timbits Trot begins at 11:30AM

Location:

• Highland Park - the site of the Lilac Festival

Packet Pick Up Details:

• Location: Fleet Feet @ The Armory - 155 Culver Road Rochester 14620

• Times: Thursday May, 14 from 10am-7pm, Friday, May 15 from 10am - 7pm and Saturday, May 16 from 10am - 4pm.

Awards:

Male & Female Overall Winners in the 5K & 10K will win a pair of Karhu shoes to be redeemed at Fleet Feet

Age Group Awards will be given in the following age increments: 14 and under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69,70-74, 75-79 and 80+

• 1st place will win a pair of Goodr sunglasses

• 2nd and 3rd place a store voucher to Fleet Feet

Post party will include music, post race food including chocolate milk provided by Fairlife! Treat your body after the fun with FREE Normatec recovery sessions available provided by Fleet Feet.

Keep the celebration going Monday after the race, May 18th, with Medal Monday at Fleet Feet the Armory from 11am - 6pm . Stop in to get your medal engraved with your finish line time for FREE! What a fun keepsake!

What is the Tim Hortons Timbits Trot? Who doesn't love donuts!?!? Participate in the trot which is a 1 mile fun run down Highland Ave. Run a half mile, get Tim Hortons timbits and run back. The perfect fun run to do with the family!

Training Program: Train for success with Fleet Feet! Their experienced coach will guide you through every step along the way with the support and camaraderie of Fleet Feet! Choose from:

• Lilac 5k - This program is perfect for those who already can run 1-3 miles without stopping but want to get stronger for race day,

• Lilac 10k - This program is perfect for those who already run 4-8 miles without stopping but want to improve their Lilac 10k performance

Learn more and how to register here! Program begins March 25th!

Camp Sunshine is the non-profit of choice this year. Consider a donation with your registration to support their fully accessible residential summer camp that has met the needs of children and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and city youth for over 100 years.

Dirt Cheap Trail Races

Since 2008, join us for this super-cool, mid-week, low-key, fun trail race highlighting different parks around Monroe County!

Dirt Cheap Trail Race was a brainchild of ours in 2008 right after the stock market crash. People were in tricky spots financially and we wanted to provide an economical avenue for people to enjoy a unique event in our parks while running or walking. Dirt Cheap has introduced thousands to our park trail systems and we pride ourselves on bring fun, challenging courses to life for you.

Entry Includes

An in-person LIVE event

Post-race hot dog cookout

Chip timing

Live text and email results as you finish (must opt-in when registering)

Online Results

Downloadable PDF Finisher Certificates

Series participants get a custom hat with entry

NEW - Series Scoring and Awards - For those in the Series ONLY, we will be doing series scoring. Best 3 of 4 races by place count. The goal is to do Series awards at the final race (internet service req'd)Overall Male and Female plus Top 2 Male & Female in the following Age Groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 Plus

Series Participants will receive ONE BIB for the entire Series. We will offer concierge service after each race so you don't risk losing your bib for the next race. We will hold it and bring it to the next race for you. Use this Service!! Otherwise it costs $5 Bib replacement fee.

PLUS Race Logoed Tee available to order for Series Participants until May 27th - $15. The shirt will be printed after Race 1 and become available for distribution at Race 2.

The shirts will be handed out starting at Race 2

By registering for this event you are acknowledging that the date, time, location, and distance of the race may be changed, switched to virtual, or canceled at any time as deemed necessary by the Race Directors due to circumstances beyond their control. In the event that any of these scenarios happens, there will be no refunds, transfers, or deferrals allowed unless otherwise stated.

Verona Street Animal Society

The Fast & the Furriest®

Saturday, June 6th, 2026

We are celebrating 20 years!!! Mark your calendars for the 20th annual The Fast & The Furriest® event on Saturday, June 6th, 2026! The Fast & The Furriest® includes 5K & 10K races, kid's race, dog walk, pet festival, and vaccine clinic. This event will feature music, food trucks, sponsor giveaways, vendors, pet contests, and a variety of activities for you, your family and your dogs. Come out and help us celebrate our love of animals and our city. Can't make it in person? Virtual options for the 5K, 10K and dog walk will be available as well!

Packet Pick Up:

• Friday, June 5th at Fleet Feet @ the Armory (155 Culver Rd) from 10am - 6pm

• Saturday, June 6th at the event from 7am - 10:15am - Location - 184 Verona Street Rochester, NY

**Register by Sunday, May 17 to be guaranteed an event t-shirt! Registration for the 5K & 10K closes at 11:59PM on Friday, June 5th. There is no race day registration.

How can you be involved this year?

1. Participate in the 5K, 10K or 1/2 mile kid's race in person or virtually

2. Participate in the dog walk in person or virtually

3. Attend the in person Pet Festival on Saturday, June 6th at Brown Square Park

4. Enter your pet into the pet contests

5. Bring your dog to the vaccination clinic which includes rabies and DAPP vaccines and microchipping. This is first come, first serve.

6. Create a fundraiser when registering for the event and help raise money for pets in need in your community! Ask your friends and family to support a cause you are passionate and contribute to your fundraiser.

Fundraising is Important! Please consider Fundraising for VSAS through this event. It's easy and you can win some great prizes!

While going through the registration process make sure to set up your individual and/or team fundraising page and help increase our impact in serving people and animals in our community. Personalize the page with your own story, link it with Facebook Fundraising, and set your own personal goal. Learn more about setting up a fundraiser and other tools and tricks here.

Why is your paw-ticipation so important?

By supporting Verona Street Animal Society and Rochester Animal Services, you are helping animals get the second chance they deserve. Just your registration for this event will spay/neuter a male cat or feed a cat for one month. Think of the impact an additional donation would have! All funds raised through The Fast & The Furriest® event directly impact the animals in our community by:

• Providing food, shelter, enrichment and medical care at the shelter

• Promoting adoption, lost and found, and spay/neuter programs

• Supporting under-served communities by providing access to pet resources

When registering for the race, make sure to set up your own individual or team fundraiser on the donation page!

Harborfest 5K & 10K | Saturday, June 20, 2026

Ontario Beach Park | Charlotte, NY

5K 7:45am

10K 9:00am

The Harborfest Festival is summertime, lakeside festival at Ontario Beach Park, celebrating over 200 years of the historic lighthouse and Monroe County. Among the many activities available that weekend join us for the Harborfest 5K and 10K. The courses take in the northern portion of the popular Genesee River Trail, the Marina and finishes beachside. The 10k traverses the beautiful Genesee River boardwalk at Turning Point Park

*Please Note: If you are signed up for the combo, you must be finished with the 5K before the 10K begins at 9AM

By registering for this event, you are acknowledging that the date, time, location, and distance of the race may be changed, switched to virtual, or canceled at any time as deemed necessary by the Race Directors due to circumstances beyond their control. In the event that any of these scenarios happens or any other, there will be no refunds, transfers, or deferrals allowed unless otherwise stated.

Please join us on Saturday June 21, 2025 for the Irondequoit Juneteenth 5K Run/Walk!

Juneteenth is a nationally recognized holiday and a celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, on June 19, 1865. General Gordon Granger led 2,000 Union soldiers to Galveston, Texas to ensure the freedom of 250,000-still enslaved. Rochester, NY, home to Frederick Douglass, is the perfect place to host a Juneteenth Run/Walk!

This race is hosted by Irondequoit E.R.A.S.E. (Eliminating Racism And Seeking Equity). Registration fees will go towards our annual scholarships for college-bound Black and Brown students from Irondequoit and Eastridge High Schools.

Finish your day celebrating freedom by joining us at our 6th annual Juneteenth festival at 12 noon at the Irondequoit Town Hall yard.

Online registration will remain open right up until the start of the race or until sold out. Race day registration and packet pickup will take place at St. Josaphats Church from 7:15am right up until the start of the race at 8:30am. Participants who registered by Monday, June 16, 2025 at 5:30pm are guaranteed to receive a race shirt in their requested size. A small quantity of extra shirts will be ordered and distributed to late registrants on a first-come, first-serve basis until they are gone.

5K Registration: $30 / $35

EARLY PACKET PICKUP OPTION

Early packet pickup will be available on Friday, June 20th from 6-8pm at Salvatores Pizzeria located at 149 E. Ridge Rd.

POST RACE CELEBRATION

Our post race celebration will take place immediately following the race at the church. There will be music, bottled water, light refreshments and the awards ceremony. Runners are also invited to stick around for the 6th Annual Juneteenth Festival set to start at 12pm at the Irondequoit Town Hall.

Irondequoit Town Hall

1280 Titus Ave.

Rochester, NY 14617

AGE GROUPS & AWARDS

Prizes will be presented to the 1st place overall male and female finishers. Age group awards will be presented to the 1st and 2nd place male and female runner in each of the age groups shown below. All participants will have the option of downloading custom finisher certificates from the event page!

14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and older.

PARKING

There will be plenty of free parking in the St. Josaphat's church parking lot. Enter via Stanton Lane.

CONTACT / INFORMATION

For additional information on the race or sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Latanya Morse at (585) 271-0428 or via email at [email protected].

CANCELLATION POLICY

In the event of foul weather, public safety concerns, or for any other reason deemed necessary by race organizers (ex: state of emergency, shelter-in-place, limit on social gatherings, permit issues, etc) we want runners to know up front that we reserve the right to reschedule the event date if needed OR convert this to a virtual event. There will be no refunds.