Van Cortlandt Park 50K

Set your sights on the Van Cortlandt Park 50K on May 2, 2026, a truly iconic ultramarathon nestled within the vibrant landscape of New York, NY. This 50K challenge is meticulously crafted to be both achievable for ultrarunning novices and a fast, endurance-testing course for seasoned veterans. You'll tackle ten loops of the historic Van Cortlandt Park cross-country course, following an initial lap of the flats, offering a consistent and engaging experience. Typical race day conditions in early May feature comfortable highs around 68F and lows around 52F, with only a 15% chance of precipitation, creating ideal running weather.

The course itself presents a manageable yet rewarding challenge with approximately 2200 feet of elevation gain, incorporating the park's renowned hills and a scattering of rocks and roots that are present but not overly plentiful. Runners will appreciate the escape into nature, surrounded by scenic fields and trees, a welcome contrast to the urban bustle just beyond the park's borders. Crucially, the Van Cortlandt Park 50K boasts fully stocked aid stations offering water, Gatorade, salty and sweet snacks, and fruits. Runners also benefit from convenient access to their personal drop bags, never more than 1.5 miles away at any point on the looped course.

Beyond the personal accomplishment, finishers are celebrated with a custom medal, a limited-edition singlet, a hot post-race meal, and a refreshing cold beer, with overall winners earning a trophy and cash prize. Starting near the 242nd Street subway entrance, this race, established in 2023, promises a memorable ultra experience on a celebrated New York running route, blending challenging terrain with thoughtful runner support.