NYC public high school runners line up on the Van Cortlandt Park Parade Ground to race for their boroughs over one of the most storied cross-country courses in America. The PSAL Marty Lewis Challenge scores teams by borough and gender, turning a season meet into a five-borough rivalry named for the dean of PSAL track and field. If you love running or have a student on a team, this is the city's purest cross-country morning.
What to expect
Races start on the wide, flat Parade Ground, with school teams, coaches and spectators gathered around the start and finish. Runners head out onto the park's wooded trails and hills before returning to the flat for the finish, where you can watch the final kick.
Good to know
- Take the 1 train to Van Cortlandt Park–242 St; the Parade Ground is right across Broadway.
- Spectators can watch from the Parade Ground, which sits in an open public park.
- Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy if you plan to follow runners onto the trails.
- Boys' and girls' races run separately, so arrive early to catch a specific school's runners.
- Results are posted afterward on athletic.net and MileSplit NY.
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Common questions
Who was Marty Lewis?
A longtime figure in New York City scholastic athletics, often called the dean of PSAL track and field; the PSAL's borough cross-country challenge carries his name.
Can the public watch?
Yes. The meet is held at Van Cortlandt Park, a public park, and spectators can watch from the Parade Ground and along the course.
How are teams scored?
It's a borough challenge: runners score for their borough, with team scores built from the top finishers per borough in each gender.