Two institutions share this morning: Front Runners New York, the LGBTQ+ club that's been building queer running community since 1979, and Van Cortlandt's cross country course, hallowed dirt where champions have raced since the 1910s. The annual meet sends club runners over the flats and into the infamous back hills while friends cheer from the parade ground. It's grassroots sport with history on both sides of the tape — and watching costs nothing.
What to expect
A morning race across the parade ground and into the wooded hills, with start/finish action concentrated on the flats; spectators cluster at the cow path and finish line. Club-meet scale — intimate, loud and welcoming.
Good to know
- The cross country start is on the parade ground near Broadway and W 242nd St
- 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park-242nd St puts you at the course
- Free to watch; racing is a club event
- The 'cow path' entrance to the trails is the classic cheering spot
- Van Cortlandt's flat-then-hills course is a bucket-list run — jog it after
Planning Sep 25–27, 2026 in NYC?
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Common questions
Who are Front Runners New York?
The city's LGBTQ+ running and multisport club, founded in 1979 — one of the oldest and largest queer sports organizations in the country.
Why is Van Cortlandt's course famous?
It's America's oldest continuously used cross country course — generations of high school, college and pro harriers have raced its flats and back hills.
