NYRR Cross Country Series #1
Experience the pure joy of running through the picturesque trails of Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx this fall!
Escape the city's hustle and bustle and explore the renowned pathways of one of New York City's cherished green spaces at the 2026 NYRR Cross Country race series. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate the varied terrain, embrace the camaraderie among fellow runners, and let the vibrant fall colors invigorate your spirit.
Race dates below:
The Member-Only Standby List is a perk for NYRR members who are willing to participate in an NYRR race if entries become available after registration has closed. These individuals will be invited to register the race on a first-come, first-served basis.
Active NYRR Members can read about and join the Member-Only Standby List here.
When you run with NYRR, you do more than compete in a world-class race—your support and participation play a role in fulfilling our vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running, and benefit NYRR’s free youth and community programs, including Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR Striders, Open Run, and more.
All event information is subject to change.
Kids of all abilities and ages 2 to 18 are welcome to join the Rising NYRR at the NYRR Cross Country Series #1 (Stages 1, 2, & 3) race-day fun. Registration is required and completely FREE—made possible by the generosity of our community. Visit the event webpage to sign up and learn more.
Check out our training resources that'll help you prepare for race day.
- In-person Group Training, geared toward local New York City runners who enjoy running with others
- Virtual training through NYRR x Runna, the world's top-rated running coach app, to train anywhere, anytime
- Free training guides and tips through our Runner Resources
NYRR allows the purchase of refund protection through Teak, a refund program that provides registration fee protection on all paid events. This includes races and Group Training, and it will protect additional product (such as NYRR x Runna) fees if it is an add-on to a race. To learn more, click here.
If you are an Athlete with Disability who needs a guide or support runner to participate in a New York Road Runners event, please follow the process explained here. To request guide and support runners, email accessibility@nyrr.org at time of registration. All requests must be placed by the registered athlete at least two weeks prior to the event.
NYRR strives to host inclusive, sustainable, and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage. To request reasonable accommodations or for inquiries about accessibility for attending this event, please email accessibility@nyrr.org.
To learn more about NYRR accessibility, please visit the NYRR Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Resource page.
We at New York Road Runners believe running should be accessible to everyone. To help, we created NYRR Race Free to provide race fee assistance to those who qualify financially.
In 2026, we will offer 1,000 spots in the NYRR Race Free Program and more than 3,000 complimentary race entries, including entry for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Accepted NYRR Race Free participants will receive up to 6 complimentary entries to our weekly races and the opportunity to access training for free.
The 2026 application period is now closed. We invite you to apply for the 2027 NYRR Race Free program, which is expected to open in October 2026. Please visit the NYRR Race Free page for updates in September.
- Review the NYRR policy on start and finish cutoff times here.
- Runners can register as woman, man, or nonbinary. Visit our FAQ page for more information on how to update your profile.
- If you wish to pay in cash for your race entry, please visit our cashless kiosk at the NYRR RUNCenter.
Numbers (which include your timing tag) may be picked up at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub at 320 West 57th Street (between Eighth and Ninth avenues).
- Sunday, September 13, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 14, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 15, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 16, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, September 17, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 18, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, September 20, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 21, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 22, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 23, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, September 24, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 25, 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26, 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Runners are encouraged to pick up their bibs at the RUNCENTER to avoid race day lines.
On race day, number pickup will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. at Race-Day Central (located near the Tortoise and Hare statue, just beyond the event's finish line)
Show your race confirmation email or the QR code from your NYRR account to pick up your race materials. Proxy bib pickup is available for this race, so a friend or family member can pick up your race materials. The person will need the QR code for your NYRR account, along with a form of photo identification that corresponds to your NYRR account.
On race day, number pickup will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m. at Race-Day Central (located near the Tortoise and Hare statue, just beyond the event's finish line)
Bib pickup will close 10 minutes after the start time of the race.
Show your race confirmation email or the QR code from your NYRR account to pick up your race materials. Proxy bib pickup is available for this race, so a friend or family member can pick up your race materials. The person will need the QR code for your NYRR account, along with a form of photo identification that corresponds to your NYRR account.
Runners will start on the Parade Ground, a wide field bordering Broadway, and head south. Turn left/east to pass the Van Cortlandt Mansion along the southern edge of the Parade Ground, then left/north again to enter the woods at the Cow Path entrance. Runners will ascend the trail as they continue north. As the trail parallels the Henry Hudson Parkway, make the right turn toward the Back Hills. Make this complete loop, then head back toward the Parade Ground. The trail is mostly downhill and flat. Exit the woods with about three-quarters of a mile to go and continue to the finish along Broadway beyond the Tortoise and Hare statue.
We strongly recommend checking mta.info before you travel. You can also message the MTA using the chat feature on the MTA app.
Bag check will be available beginning at 7:30 am at Race-Day Central (located near the Tortoise and Hare statue, just beyond the event's finish line).
Planning to check a bag on race morning? While we will continue to have clear plastic bags available at number pickup, we encourage you to use your own clear reusable plastic bag, no larger than 17" wide x 20" high x 7" deep, with the tag affixed. Only clear bags may be checked at bag check, we are unable to check opaque bags of any size.
NYRR is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen bags or items from bags checked at NYRR bag check.
The following race-day amenities will be provided and are subject to availability:
- Water
- Apples
- Snyder's Pretzels
For a full list of Prohibited Items, please click here.
Live, unofficial results/runner tracking will be available in the NYRR App during the event. Please note: Runner tracking is available at all scored races.
After the conclusion of the event, official results will be posted on results.nyrr.org.
Awards will be presented on site to the top three finishers in the overall men, women, and nonbinary divisions. Runners who place in the top three of their age group will be able to claim an award in the days following the race by filling out our Age-Group Awards Claim Form.
In case of an emergency during the race (including in the start or finish area), call 866-705-6626.
If NYRR cancels an offering on the direction of local, city, or state authorities, participants will be informed as soon as possible, including communication of participant resolution options. Events will not be rescheduled.
No Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable and may not be deferred or transferred.