Tortoise & Hare Trail Runs - Ithaca, New York - Running

The Tortoise & Hare Trail Runs is a Running race in Ithaca, New York consisting of a 1 Mile and 10K Trail Run.

This race is dedicated to the memory of its founder, Rich Lawrence, who died in a canoeing accident in 1998. Special thanks to Rich's close friend Cynthia Lange for her continued support and help at this race, and to our community sponsor, GreenStar Natural Foods Market, for providing the delicious food and drink at the finish.

Borrowing from the fable, Tortoise & Hare is a race for the slow and the fast-victory lies in finishing. The closest trail race to Ithaca, this is a good introduction to both trail running and local trails, with Buttermilk Falls providing a spectacular backdrop. The 1 mile fun run/hike course is practically flat; it can be completed by anyone, regardless of age. The 10K+ (it's actually 10.8 kilometers or 6.7 miles) course covers beautiful and varied terrain, including the at Larch Meadow Trail, the easy Bear Trail, and the rolling Lake Trail. There is one long, steep hill that climbs 400 feet in half a mile, lending another interpretation to the race name: slow up, fast down. There are three water stops on the course, at roughly 2, 4, and 5.5 miles.