The Manhattan University Cross Country Invitational Presented by HOKA will again be hosting boys’ and girls’ youth races as part of its 2025 schedule on Saturday, October 11 at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.

The first USATF New York Youth Race – a 1.5-mile race through historic Van Cortlandt Park in The Bronx – will feature boys and girls (8 and under up to 12 years of age) and will start at 9:49 AM.

The second race is 2.5-miles for runners aged 13-18 and will start at 10:18 AM. Registration for these youth races are currently open and will close on October 5th  at midnight.

“We are delighted to once again welcome USATF youth runners to our 53rd annual Manhattan University Cross Country Invitational Presented by

HOKA,” said Meet Director Lou Vazquez.  This race is designed to introduce the next generation of runners to cross country at a major meet

contested over one of America’s oldest cross country courses at Van Cortlandt Park. We are also happy to support youth running, especially

within the New York City area which has created one of the nation’s deepest and most impressive, youth running programs.”

The 53rd edition of the meet will again be contested at Van Cortlandt Park adjacent to nearby Manhattan University on Saturday October 11.  The New York City event also includes both the Peter Aquilone Memorial Boys and Coach Edward J.J. Bowes ‘64 Girls Eastern States Championship races along with varsity, junior varsity, sophomore, freshman and modified/intermediate races for both boys and girls. A ceremony will also take place at the meet to induct the newest members of the Van Cortlandt Park Cross Country Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1973 by renowned high school coach and Manhattan College Hall of Fame runner Ed Bowes, the Manhattan College Cross Country Invitational quickly grew into the nation’s largest, single-day, scholastic cross country meet.