In what appears to be on its way to becoming an annual tradition I have been at the Mighty Mosquito 99 event 3 out of the last 4 years. My first appearance was in 2021 to attempt the solo 100 mile event. And then I have been back twice to participate in the relay with a great group of friends. And I probably would have been there 4 years in a row except one year our relay team collapsed and we were unable to get enough people together to participate.

The premise is simple. Gather a team of up to 6 people. Spend the day at a beautiful park. Collectively run 99 miles. Support a great community organization.

The Mighty Mosquito 99 event is held at beautiful Mendon Ponds Park near Rochester New York. It is a great place to spend the day. I have participated in several relay events over the years. They all have their charms. But what I really enjoy about Mighty Mosquito is that it is more like a big hang out and party with your friends.

Most relay events require cramming in a car with your friends and driving from place to place to meet your fellow runners as they finish their segments of the relay. This aspect of relays can make the day feel very rushed. It can take some of the joy and fun out of things, especially if the segments are as short as 3 miles. That’s not a lot of time to see your friends off on their start. Cram back in the van. Drive to the next location. Get out of the van. Get ready to run if you are the next runner. And wait for your friend to show up.

At Mighty Mosquito 99 relay you and your friends can literally set up camp at on location and hang out and have a party. All the segments start and end in the same location. So it is really easy to rest and relax and enjoy the day and company of your friends when you are not running. Each leg is roughly the same distance so you have a decent idea of how long it will take people to finish and when to expect them if you are the next runner.

I just love the vibe and feel of a bunch of people hanging out with their friend and having a good time running in the woods.

I always have good time hear with my friends. Even though it is always hot and we always complain about the heat, I wouldn’t mind if this became an annual tradition.

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