Van Cortlandt 5K Race Report

Jeff Hathorn vacationed in New York City during the second week of October, and of course, found a local race to see how he could stand up to the NY running talent. A cross-country 5K was held Sunday, October 14 in Van Cortlandt Park north of Manhattan island in the Bronx. This famous cross-country course is surfaced with packed cinders in several fairly steep trail hills, including the famous 100 meter bluff named Cemetary Hill. On any weekend there are soccer players, cricket players, hikers, etc. and multitudes of runners. It's been said that what Churchill Downs is to horse racing, Van Cortlandt Park is to cross-country running.

The day was beautiful, sunny and a crisp 65 degrees...a bit cool for Jeff's Mississippi blood, but perfect for us New Yorkers. We all met at the "tortoise and hare" statue and lined up on the flats for the start of the race. There were 196 runners mostly from various NY area track clubs. Jeff finished 19:11, a bit slower than his usual time, but not surprising considering unfamiliar trails with deep rain-washed gulleys and steep terrain. Along the way, Jeff noticed a young girl running at his pace. In the end, she fell back and finished 10 seconds behind him. It turns out she was only 15 years old with what looks like to be a promising future in running if she chooses to keep it up. He ultimately came in second place in his age group winning a very nice medal. Welcome to "50" Jeff.

Jeff and Karen