The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run 2025: A Day For Speed, Community and Generosity

NORTHPORT, NY – The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run 2025, considered by Runner’s World as one of the top 100 races in the US, was held this past Saturday, September 20th, in Northport, NY, bringing together elite athletes, local runners, and families for a day that blended a world-class competition with community spirit. Alongside the 10K race, the event also featured a 2K Fun Run/Walk, which drew 600 participants, many of them children and families, making it a true all-ages celebration of fitness and community pride. The 10K course, famous for its mix of scenic beauty and toughness, winds through Northport Village, past the waterfront of Northport Harbor, and through tree-lined streets, but the part that all the runners talk about is the legendary James Street hill. James Street is a brutal climb that has become both the most feared and most regaled feature of the race.

Will Fodor, the race’s elite athletic director, said, “The race showcases the best of Northport. There is pride in the community for people who live here. We get about 300 volunteers and that’s not just the day of the race. We have people stuffing bags days before the race, coordinating logistics and chasing down last-minute items. And the race committee works all year long.” When Huntington Matters asked for the names of the race committee so the community could pay tribute to them, everyone responded that they’d rather not mention them because it’s about all the volunteers, not just a select few. In fact, one of the best parts of this race is that members of the community host out-of-town elite runners. They welcome them into their homes and treat them like family. For those runners, that makes a big difference, not just on race day, but with the decision to come here at all. Fodor was adamant, “Without our community, this race doesn’t happen.”

Caroline Flynn, formerly of News12, opened the awards ceremony and introduced John Rakucewicz, the creator of the race back in 1977. His words reflected on the history of the race, the growth of the event and the spirit of community involvement. His words reminded everyone that behind the scenes is a story of volunteers, organizers, sponsors, and participants from local clubs to new runners.

Then it was Fodor’s turn to take the stage and present the top 10 female runners. Ednah Kurgat, active duty US Army and the Female Open Winner, addressed the crowd, sharing thoughts on the challenge of the race, her strategy, and thanking those who supported her.

After recognizing the top 10 female finishers, Fodor also presented the male awards. While introducing Male Open Winner, Anthony Rotich, active duty US Army, Fodor told the story about how Rotich approached him at the informational meeting the evening before, “Anthony said, ‘You gave me Bib #1, I’m going to do everything I can to live up to it.” Rotich then gave a winner’s speech, expressing appreciation for his host family and promising he would be back every year.

There was also a presentation of a $10,000 check to Special Olympics. This portion was presented by Regional President of Long Island at M&T Bank, Jason Lipiec, marking a philanthropic highlight of the day and reinforcing the race’s community-oriented values. The race is a nonprofit 501(c)3 and also supports other local organizations, like the Northwell Health Foundation, the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, Save the Sound, the Northport American Legion Post 694 and the Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary.

Nicholas Fitterman, MD, Director of Huntington Hospital, represented sponsor Northwell Health, and Northport Mayor Donna Koch spoke about Northport and the race and Caitlin Wong, who sings in the choir at St. Philip Neri Church in Northport, sang the national anthem.

The following are the top 10 male and female finishers in the Open division, with their chip times.

Besides the open division, winners in the Masters categories were recognized, as well as age group leaders. In the Male Masters category, Nicholas Conway of Albany, NY, was first with a time of 32:34.00. In the Female Masters division, Steph Bruce of Flagstaff, AZ, placed first among Masters with a time of 33:03.00.

Full race results can be viewed here: https://elitefeats.com/race-results/?ID=24605

Given the strong field, tight competition, and broad participation, the race committee can look ahead with excitement to next year’s race. They have announced it will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

Registration opens 6 months prior, on March 19th. Due to the high level of participation, they expect it to sell out quickly, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible. Huntington Matters will make an announcement when it opens.

FULL PHOTO ALBUM BELOW HISTORY BOX

Photography by Darin Reed, Marisa Comple and Dana E. Richter. Videography by Darin Reed, Dana E. Richter and Alyssa Gonzalez. Copyright 2025 – All rights reserved.

HISTORY OF THE RACE

Here’s a detailed look at the history of the Great Cow Harbor 10K / Race Weekend (also known as Cow Harbor Weekend) in Northport, NY — its origins, how it’s grown, what it’s about, and some interesting facts.

Origins

• The race began in 1977, conceived by John Rakucewicz, a local businessman and avid runner. He thought Northport’s scenery would make for a beautiful and challenging road race. (northporthistorical.org)
• It was paired with the Grand Old-Fashioned Cow Harbor Day Parade, which had started a few years earlier in 1973. The idea was that the race could be part of a larger village celebration. (northporthistorical.org)
• The village was formerly known as “Great Cow Harbor”; that name reflects its old agricultural use: cows grazed on the fields along the harbor. The parade and festival continue to pay homage to that heritage. (villageofnorthport.com)

Early Years & Growth

• The first race in 1977 drew 1,028 entrants, with 1,002 finishing. The winner, Louis Calvano, ran it in 31:24. (northporthistorical.org)
• Within a few years, the Cow Harbor 10K gained national recognition as a scenic and challenging course. Runners liked it for its hills and its views. (northporthistorical.org)
• In 1985, a change was made: a staggered start was introduced to help space runners better on the hilly route, reduce congestion, and improve times. John Pitfick (a local running club member) was involved in pushing for that. (northporthistorical.org)

Interruptions & Restarts

There have been just three occasions when the race was not held in its usual large in-person format:

• 1986, when the original organizer (Rakucewicz) stepped down and the organizing committee was being revamped. (northporthistorical.org)
  • 2001, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. (northporthistorical.org)
  • 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic: instead of an in-person race, a virtual run was organized. (northporthistorical.org)

FUN FACTS

The Event Today: Course, Participation, & Significance

• The race is a 10-kilometer/6.2-mile road race. (villageofnorthport.com)
• It’s held annually on the third Saturday in September, with Cow Harbor Day (the parade, festival, etc.) on the following Sunday. (villageofnorthport.com)
• Participation has grown: Before 2020, there were 3,500 – 4,000 runners in the 10K. After COVID, the number of runners ballooned to about 5,000. On race weekend, the number of spectators often more than doubles the village population. (Great Cow Harbor Day Weekend)
• Participation for 2025 was split right down the middle – 50% male, 50% female, with half of the 5,000 runners being Town of Huntington residents.
• The event is no longer just a local race. It draws elite athletes, regional and national runners, and sometimes international participants. Over the years, winners have come from various countries. (northporthistorical.org)

Course Details & Challenges

• The course is known for being scenic, with views of Long Island Sound, harbor, village, etc. but also challenging, with hilly stretches (including “Widow Hill” on James Street, etc.). These hills often become decisive in the race. (villageofnorthport.com)
• There is also a 2K Fun Run/Walk in more recent years, to let families and less competitive runners participate. (Great Cow Harbor Day Weekend)

Community & Cultural Significance

• Beyond the race itself, it’s a major community event: festival, parade, vendors, boats, music, lighted boat display, etc. It’s really a full weekend of celebration. (Great Cow Harbor Day Weekend)
• The race also contributes to charity, for example, proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of Long Island, Northwell Health Foundation, the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, Save the Sound, the Northport American Legion Post 694 and the Lewis Oliver Farm Sanctuary. (villageofnorthport.com)