There are plenty of popular distance runs hosted every year in the United States, but one of the most popular is the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, which is closing in on its 30th anniversary.
There are plenty of popular distance runs hosted every year in the United States, but one of the most popular is the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, which is closing in on its 30th anniversary. More than 5,000 runners participate every year in Northport, N.Y., which is located on Long Island, and it has become an integral part of New York culture and history.
The Great Cow Harbor distance run is sponsored by North Fork Bank, according to the Web site, and it is sanctioned by the Road Runners Club of America. For the last eight years, it has also been classified as a Championship Race, which has increased both participation and media coverage.
The Cow Harbor distance run is one of the most difficult in the country with regard to inclines, as the majority of the race is run uphill. Even though it is a road race, which means that it is conducted on surface streets, the hills and valleys of Newport present unique challenges to participants.
Runners are given an easy start with downhill streets during the first mile, as they set out from the front yard of Laurel Avenue School toward Scudder Avenue, and the decline continues until runners hang a left on Woodbine Avenue. However, it all changes once they turn another right onto James Street, which begins the notorious climb up "Widow Hill." Runners who aren't used to distance runs with inclines often bail here.
After that, the participants begin to weave their way through the twisting Northport streets, earning a beautiful view of Long Island Sound if they happen to make it to Ocean Avenue. More than a mile is run on Waterside Avenue, which progresses uphill at a slight incline, and there have been races where 50 percent of the runners didn't make it through this leg.
Then, for the final stretch, participants jog up "Pumpernickel Hill" toward a downhill stretch that ends at Northport Hardware Company, located on School Street. In 1991, Jeff Jacobs set a course record at 28 minutes and 44 seconds, which was beaten by Ryan Hall in 2006, shaving 16 seconds of Jacobs' time.
The spirit of this race, however, is what makes it one of the most popular distance runs in the country. People from all over the United States gather in Northport for this spectacular event, and NEWS 12 Long Island usually covers the event, in addition to local newspapers and radio stations. The prizes are $3,000 for the top men's and women's finishers, with a $5,000 bonus for anyone who sets a record for the Great Cow Harbor distance run.
Additionally, the a 2K walk-run has been added to the festivities, allowing participants who aren't interested in running 10K to still have fun at the event. In the shorter race, baby strollers, walkmans, iPods and other devices are allowed that are prohibited in the longer race.
If you are interested in participating in the Great Cow Harbor distance run, you can register up until Sept. 16 through the mail, or you can visit the web site and register online. Fees are $22 when registering before the beginning of September, and $30 for late registration, while kids under the age of 12 run for $10.
