The VCTC Pete McArdle 9-Mile XC Trail Race
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9 mile cross country race in Van Cortlandt Park
A newly resurrected nine mile cross country race organized by the Van Cortlandt Track Club returns to the original distance used when the event began in 1958. The original 1958 running was also nine miles and featured 14 competitors; later editions were staged as a 15k and were last run by NYRR in 2019.
The course uses three loops of Van Cortlandt Park’s established cross country circuit, running through the back hills and around the flats. The event takes place in front of the Tortoise & Hare Statue, across from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake and the Tortoise and Hare Pub at 6115 Broadway.
Event features listed by the organizer include awards from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, commemorative buffs for the first 100 registrants, and a post race gathering at the Tortoise and Hare Pub. The race is held in tandem with an untimed Lettuce Run 5k walk/run to benefit the Friendly Fridge.
Practical notes from the organizer: the site is accessible by the number 1 subway to 242nd Street; parking can be challenging but is often available at the Van Cortlandt Stables or the golf course, both a short walk from the start area. Registration fee is $35.00; registration opens September 24, 2026 and closes November 29, 2026. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
