Running the old Holiday Marathon course on the trails of Van Cortlandt Park this morning was a trip down memory lane! Back in the 2011-12 "era" - a much more innocent age- we had a series of holiday themed "marathon" in VCP. Runners could do four 6.5 mile loops for a full marathon (or any number, for that matter). The results were recorded on the honor system via a sign out sheet at the start/finish (Tortoise & Hare statue).
The tradition was brought back this morning when the trail runners meet-up group set off with about 15 or so runners, following the old route. Interestingly, in the intervening years the one major change was the addition of a concrete switchback at the one mile (or so) mark to reach the highway overpass. In the old days (did I really write that - haha), we climbed the steep embankment up to the highway (and in winter an old rope would be added to make the icy, slushy climb more manageable).
I had a great time - and if I had more time would certainly have gone out for a third loop! One funny fact: I got a parking spot on Broadway, not to far south from the Tortoise & Hare statue, for the 1st time in years! Typically, I find myself parking at the Horace Mann school - that's how hard it is to get a spot right off the park!
Great trails, great company, and even great weather - an awesome way to spend Christmas Eve day!
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