Race FAQ

What you need to know ahead of the race

Do you offer discounts?

Members of NewRo Runners and military veterans get $10 off race entry from April 22 until August 31.

Do you offer refunds or exchanges? What happens if the race is canceled?

No, we don’t offer refunds or exchanges. Please read our No Refunds, No Exchanges Policy and our Race Cancellation Policy. Do they both suck? Yes. But at least we explain why we do what we do.

Can I volunteer?

Yes, please! If you're not running, we need you on race day! No race of this type happens without volunteers. Please learn about volunteering here.

Do I need to have a COVID vaccine?

Due to the enormous success of the vaccination program, the substantial decrease in severe illness, and that the event is outdoors, we have suspended the vaccination requirement that we used in 2021. Let's all hope there aren't any funky new variants that come down the pike. This is our COVID policy.

Is the race timed?

Yes, all runners are chip-timed. To avoid trail congestion, we start runners in multiple waves, just three minutes apart. See also: Chip Timing and Seeding.

Does the race have a time limit?

The first wave of the race starts at 9 a.m. You must finish the race in 3 hours. Security and volunteers are discharged and streets are reopened based on a 3-hour finish, as timed from the start of the last wave. After that, you're on your own. This is not a race for walkers.

How fast (slow) is the course? How will my finish time compare to a road half?

Estimate your pace in this trail race to be approximately 1 minute/mile slower than in a half-marathon road race. Another rule of thumb: Just add 15 minutes to your expected road half finish time to guesstimate your finish time here.

The trails vary in their complexity. The Leatherstocking will likely add 2 minutes/mile to your regular time. Other trails have a few wide flat stretches that can move you almost to road pace. Not many, mind you, but they exist.

Do you have a course map? What’s the vert?

You can find the map, description, and elevation chart here. Get that vert!

How old do I have to be to run?

If you're under 18, you need written parental permission. (And frankly, you should also check with your high school athletic coach.)

What are the risks of running this race?

Running this event carries plenty of risks, which we like to consider features of the trail and the race… and why we have this non-sucky waiver.

Among these risks are those posed by the catwalks. The Leatherstocking Trail (Miles 0.75–3.6) has a number of wooden catwalks, whose condition varies with their age and the weather. Boards may be damaged in storms or jarred loose by other runners. They are also very slippery when wet. Please stay in the center of these walks and do not pass while on them. Bide your time. Cool your jets. You'll have more than ample opportunity to pass others in safer spots.

NOTE: Whining about trail conditions is strictly prohibited.

You should read about some of the other risks here.

What are the course records?

Course records for all age groups, if you think you can snag one, are here: Course Records and Data.

Do you give out awards?

Yep. We have engraved tankards for overall 1-2-3. Awards are three-deep for age group M/F, except for 17-and-under and 70+.

• Overall (1-2-3)

• 17 and under (winner only)

• 18-29 (1-2-3)

• 30-39 (1-2-3)

• 40-49 (1-2-3)

• 50-59 (1-2-3)

• 60-69 (1-2-3)

• 70+ (winner only)

Age group awards are based on chip time, but Overall 1-2-3 is based on crossing the finish line first. So if you think you can snag the podium for an overall win, contact one of the organizers to assure first wave placement.

Can I get a race shirt? What about my name on my bib?

Shirts and bib names are guaranteed to those registering by August 31. For later entrants, shirts will be distributed after the race depending on the number of no-shows that we have. And bibs, obviously, won't have your name. In prior years we had enough shirts for everyone. This year? Who knows? Want to make sure you get one? Don't wait until the last minute to register.

How do I pick up my bib and packet?

You must have an ID to pick up your bib.

You can pick up the bib of another runner if you share the same last name or household. But you must have copies (digital or paper) of that person’s ID.

You are strongly encouraged to pick up your race packet in advance at Westchester Road Runner at 179 E. Post Rd., White Plains, N.Y., on the Friday before the race, from 4–6:30 p.m., or the Saturday before the race, from 10 a.m–4 p.m. (Westchester Road Runner offers a 20% discount on clothes and 10% on non-sale shoes to registered runners.)

Pickup on race day is at the Thomas Paine Cottage Museum at 20 Sicard Ave., New Rochelle, N.Y., from 7–8:30 a.m. Expect lines. This is the staging area for the race.

Do you have a baggage drop?

Yes, bag drop is available right by the start line. Bags will be brought to the finish. Please don't leave valuables in the bags as we are not responsible for them.

What about aid stations and toilets?

This race is semi-supported. There are only three water/aid stations: Miles 4-ish (Mamaroneck), 7.5-ish (Saxon Woods golf club house, Scarsdale) and 11-ish (Eastchester). If you want a sports drink, gels, energy bar, etc., you should carry it. And dispose of the wrapper properly; do not litter on the course/trail.

Each station will have medical attention courtesy of Empress EMS and a medical tent at the finish courtesy of Montefiore New Rochelle. 

Toilets are at the start, Mile 7.5, and the finish.

Can I toss trash on the trails like in a road race?

NO! Please hold used gel packs or energy bar wrappers for one of the trash cans at the water stops. We do not have a clean-up squad to pick garbage up off the trails. DO NOT LITTER.

Can I wear headphones? 

No — headphones are banned.

Sorry, but people must be keenly attuned to those around them that might need to pass on narrow trails.

Can I run with my dog?

No — dogs are banned.

Sorry, but they are a tripping hazard on narrow trails and not permitted in the finish area either.

Blind runners using a guide dog should contact Race Director Eric Turkewitz.

Where can I park?

If you are unfamiliar with the area, please click here to view the map of parking areas.

Can I get to the race from New York City via public transit?

Yes! It's easy to do: details on getting to the race by train.

Where is the best spectating spot?

Not to worry. We got you covered. This is how to get to the easiest spectating spot.

Who are you and how do I contact you?

We are a bunch of trail-running nerds. Please check out The Team page for bios and contact info.

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