0 Degree Winter Trail Festival

Prepare for an invigorating winter challenge at the 0 Degree Winter Trail Festival, set to take place on December 12, 2026, in the scenic Powder Mills Park of Pittsford, NY. This annual event, organized by #TrailsRoc, offers runners a choice of 5, 10, or 15-mile distances, all run on a single, approximately 5-mile loop through beautiful singletrack trails. The course is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring tight turns and steep ascents, including aptly named sections like "Ski Hill" and the demanding "Hell on Roots," which has been known to require hands and feet for the climb. In some past editions, runners have even encountered fixed ropes on particularly steep inclines, adding to the adventurous spirit of the race.

The 0 Degree Winter Trail Festival is more than just a race; it's a "Green Race" and a vital fundraiser, with all proceeds dedicated to local trail maintenance projects in the Rochester area. Runners will experience a course that is 95% un-paved, winding through diverse scenery of wetlands, unique plant life, and woods filled with maple and oak trees, often blanketed in a uniform layer of leaves if snow is absent. With typical race day conditions seeing highs around 40°F and lows near 27°F, coupled with a 12% chance of precipitation, participants should be prepared for a true winter trail experience.

Wadhams Lodge serves as the central "home base" for the event, where each loop begins and ends. Aid stations along the course operate on a "Refill Only" basis, emphasizing the race's commitment to sustainability by requiring runners to carry their own hydration systems. A custom race mug and a warm hot cocoa bar await the first 150 registered runners at the finish line, providing a perfect reward after tackling the ascents and navigating the dense, yet well-marked, singletrack of Powder Mills Park.