A unique race held at historic Van Cortlandt Park; a well-planned, well-attended inaugural race event that featured a 10K, as well as a half-marathon and full-marathon. The full marathon was run over 4 loops (6.55 miles per) that took us all over Van Cortlandt; there was a good variety of terrain and lots of changes every mile, which made the course mentally stimulating and perfectly runnable. A great turnout for an inaugural race and I'm looking forward to the next. I really enjoy the local community aspect of the race and there were many familiar faces in the crowd - the "usual suspects" so to speak.

My favorite marathon. Special thanks to Maria D. Romano and the Van Cortlandt Track Club.

The saying "nothing in life is free" did not apply to this unbelievably fun, challenging and well organized trail marathon. I stumbled upon this first-time race on the MarathonGuide calendar and was thrilled to have the opportunity to run a trail marathon 10 minutes away from my sister's house where I would be celebrating thanksgiving. The "free" part left me questioning whether there would be any support, organization, etc. Let me say that this free race was far better organized and supported than many, if not most of the 30-plus marathons that I have run. Hats off to the organizers who are my new heroes. I will definitely do this race again - regardless of price. The course is a beautiful 6.5-mile trail loop in Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. Part of the course is fairly technical with some decent climbs and descents, but most is composed of clear, peaceful, secluded trails that quickly make you forget that you are running in NYC. The race medal was as unique and fun as any I have ever received - a Thanksgiving Marathon serving fork with the name and date of the race inscribed along the handle. The start finish area was well stocked with water, bananas, plums, pomegranates and other goodies - and provided easy access for water refilling at the beginning/end of each loop. I checked the race website at 7 a.m. the morning after the race and was shocked to find that race photos and results were already posted!!! Race photos the day after the event? That was a first!