The VCTC Pete McArdle 9-mile XC Trail Race

Please join us for Van Cortlandt Track Club’s inaugural newly resurrected  9-mile cross-country  race honoring Pete McArdle*, a running pioneer who made running history in Van Cortlandt Park and around the world, from his home country in Ireland to the Bronx and beyond. 

This race has a long history in Van Cortlandt Park. Some of you might know it from the days that it was a 15k put on by NYRR, last staged in 2019.  The original race, held  in 1958,  was actually 9 miles, had only 14 runners, and was won by Pete McArdle. So in the spirit of remembering its humble origins, we are returning to a 9 mile version.

The race entails 3 loops of Van Cortlandt Park’s infamous XC course, in the back hills and around the flats. Not for the faint of heart and guaranteed to challenge you—come to relive running history in a new edition of an iconic race! 

Awards from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake!

Commemorative buffs to the first 100 registrants! 

Post-race gathering at the Tortoise & Hare Pub! 

When: 

9:00 am Sunday, November 29, rain or shine 

8:00 am Registration, bib pick up and baggage check opens  

Please note: this race is on the Sunday of Thanksgiving. There might be some confusion due to an error in a local race schedule brochure.  It is being held in tandem with the untimed Lettuce Run 5k walk/run to benefit the Friendly Fridge which starts at 10:00 am

Where:

Van Cortlandt Park, in front of the Tortoise & Hare Statue across from Lloyd’s Carrot Cake and the Tortoise and Hare Pub at 6115 Broadway.  

Easily accessible by the number 1 subway to 242nd street. Parking can be challenging but often can be found at the Van Cortlandt Stables or Golf Course, short walks away. 

About Pete McArdle
Peter McArdle was an Irish-born athlete who emigrated to the United States in 1956. He soon distinguished himself in his adopted country, competing at distances from the mile to the marathon. At the 1963 Pan American Games, he won gold in the 10,000 meters and bronze in the marathon. The following year, he competed in the marathon at the Tokyo Olympics.

After the Olympics, Peter stepped away from running for 19 years. When he returned to running in 1983, he continued to set records in his age group. He trained in Van Cortlandt Park, a place he loved and often said reminded him of his native Ireland.

There, during a training run on June 24, 1985, Peter took his last breath.

For all his accomplishments, Peter always made time to encourage others in their running.