The VCTC Pete McArdle 9-Mile XC Trail Race
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9 mile XC Trail Race in Van Cortlandt Park
This event is a revived 9-mile cross-country race organized by the Van Cortlandt Track Club and scheduled for November 28, 2026 in Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY. The course consists of three loops of the park’s cross-country circuit, running through the back hills and around the flats.
The race returns to a 9 mile format that matches the original 1958 event, which had 14 runners. In later years the event was held as a 15k by NYRR, most recently staged in 2019, and this edition restores the original distance.
Registration opens September 24, 2026 and closes November 28, 2026; the listed registration fee is $35. The event includes awards provided by Lloyd’s Carrot Cake and commemorative buffs for the first 100 registrants. A post-race gathering is planned at the nearby Tortoise and Hare Pub. The race takes place in front of the Tortoise and Hare Statue across from 6115 Broadway, adjacent to Lloyd’s Carrot Cake.
The event is held in tandem with an untimed Lettuce Run 5k walk/run to benefit the Friendly Fridge. The site is accessible via the number 1 subway to 242nd Street; parking can be limited but is often available near the Van Cortlandt Stables or the golf course, a short walk from the start area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
