raceinfo@cowharborrace.com

Instructions & FAQs

Race Mechanics and the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run FAQs

Runner’s Instructions

Need to register? Please click here to register online. Download the paper application here. The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run has named the staggered start after the person who designed it, John J. Pitfick. The race starts staggered to keep runners moving and provide the safest race possible. This procedure might be new to some of you, while this will be a review for those who've run in the past. Please take a few minutes to read these instructions. There will be demands placed upon you to make the start a success. These are:
Orderly and Timely Staging
You will be asked to go to an area that matches the color and number series on your running number. This number was assigned solely on your "predicted finish time." During this staging period, marshals will be positioned to assist you to the proper area and check to ensure that the number and color match the staging area. You will identify the areas with signs of the same color and number.
Schedule
7:00 - Announcements/Instructions 7:15 - Road Closed to Traffic 8:15 - Runners to Staging Areas 8:20 - Final Call to Runners
8:30 - First Group/Flight Released 8:31 - Second Flight Releases and Each Minute Thereafter 8:48 - 2K Fun Run/Walk
Self Review
Once in the staging areas, You will be asked to check those only runners with the same number and color series are in your staging area. This is extremely important since the computer automatically gives runners an adjusted finish based solely on their groups' starting time.
Staggered Start
There will be a group start for everyone. Your group will be walked from the starting line by the lead runners in that group, who will also be helping you out with marshals holding the rope. You'll start a minute after the previous group, with each group starting with the sound of the gun. The result is faster starting and easier runs for many people. Any runner who starts ahead of his/her assigned wave will be disqualified.
Please stay out of the barriers and obey all restrictions near and around the traffic-calming island on Laurel Avenue.

Rules

1. Numbers: Be sure to read the additional instructions on the back of your race number, including Emergency Medical Information if applicable. 2. Finish: You may use any chute to finish. Look for the clock overhead as you finish. Deduct the time delay for your starting flight to get your time. You will not have to remove your tag. Please move quickly through the chutes. Free refreshments will be served to all runners. (Beer and wine will only be served to those 21 and over). Medical assistance will be available if needed. 3. Splits: Digital clocks will be displayed at the Start, every mile, 5 Kilometers, and overhead at the finish line.
(Reminder: To get an accurate split, deduct your starting time – the first digit of your race number for all waves except the first wave – from your finish time.) 4. Water Stops: Water is available at the Start and just after the 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5- mile points.
5. Results: Are posted online in live time with text/email at elitefeats.com. Results for the top 10 male and overall female finishers for the 10K race will be announced at the Awards Ceremony. Finish times will only be sent by text. There are no awards for the 2K Fun Run/Walk event.
Quality awards to the top 10 overall male and female (All cash awards limited to US citizens only), top 3 masters male and female, and at least the top 3, depending on registration, in the following age divisions: 13-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ over. 6. Awards: All Overall and Age Group awards will be given out at the Awards Ceremony at the gazebo. Age Group awards must be picked up at the table located on the west side of the gazebo. They will not be mailed. 7. Raffle: All runners are urged to stay for the raffle after the Awards Ceremony. Your race stub number must be deposited in the raffle box on the gazebo's steps. Winners must be present to be eligible for a prize. Save your number as proof of identity. 8. Cheating: All violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the USATF laws. You can help by reporting any "course cutters," "jumpers-in," or "false starters" with their number to a race official at the finish line. We will ban them from any future Great Cow Harbor 10K Runs. 9. Photos: Digital finisher and split photos will be available in your results within hours of the race. We will photograph finishers just before the clock for print-quality photos. Official finisher photos will be taken after the finish line and in the park. These are for finishers, friends, and family. Remember to wear your number on the front of your shirt. 10. Parking: (Important) There will be no parking at the William J. Brosnan School. Eighteen school buses will shuttle runners from the parking lots at the Northport High School (located at Laurel Hill Road) to Scudder and Laurel Avenues from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. The last bus will leave promptly at 7:45 a.m. Please plan your time accordingly. These buses will shuttle runners back to the high school parking lots from the finish area (Woodbine and Scudder Avenues) after the race until the award ceremony is over. (No later than 12 p.m.) 11. Baggage UPS trucks: Baggage UPS trucks will be parked outside the registration area. Any bags placed on the UPS trucks must be marked with the runner's number and will be transported to the finish line. This is a courtesy service. We will not assume any responsibility for the loss or theft of personal belongings. Make sure that all of your belongings are placed in clear plastic bags.
12. Safety: Please be careful. Be extra alert for children and spectators at the start, turns, and finish line. Prohibited Items on the course:
  • Roller Skates/Blades
  • Bicycles
  • Baby Strollers
  • Joggers
  • Headsets
  • Animals
13. Media Coverage: Look for the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run coverage on News 12 New York and YES Network. The Observer will publish an exclusive pre and post race supplement. 14. Thank you: If you enjoyed this edition of the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run and 2K Fun Run/Walk, you're enjoying it because of volunteers and sponsors. This year's race preparations were started a year ago and have culminated with total community involvement. Many organizations and individuals have participated in bringing this great event to the Village of Northport. - The Race Committee

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the race?
Race day is Saturday, September 21st, 2024. The start time is 8:30 a.m. The race begins at the William J Brosnan School on Laurel Avenue in the Village of Northport, NY.
How do I register?
You can register online starting March 21st. You can also download an application. No paper applications accepted for the 10K postmarked after 9/7. Please note that the 10K race will close when 5,000 entries are received. There is absolutely no day of registration.
  • $40 - 3/21 to 4/30
  • $45 - 5/1 to 9/5
  • $55 - 9/6 to 9/15 If Still Available
  • $60 - 9/16 to 9/20 If Still Available
  • Ages 12 and Under - $25
  • 2K Registration is $25 and $15 for Ages 12 and Under
Can I confirm my registration?
To get a confirmation email re-sent to you, please click here. Check your name by selecting the “Am I Registered” link. Please allow up to 10 minutes after you register to be listed.
What is the deadline?
Please note that the 10K race will close when 5,000 entries are received. Online entries will close at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 18th. There is no registration on race day. In the case that late registrants are allowed, they are placed in the last wave.
How can I be assured of running in the same wave as my friends?
When you complete your applications, you should all enter the same unique predicted finish time, such as 45 minutes and 27 seconds. Entering just 45 minutes could split up your group into different waves. You must use the time of the "slowest" runner.
How can I update my predicted finish time?
Please reply to your confirmation email by 9/1 with the request. Need a confirmation email re-sent to you? Please click here.
Where do I pick up my number?
Due to the staggered start, the numbers are not assigned until three days before the race. We, therefore, cannot mail the bibs. Number pickup will be Friday evening, September 20th, between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. or race day, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. at the William J Brosnan School. There is no race day registration.
Is there a baggage truck?
There will be baggage UPS trucks parked near the starting line before the race. The UPS trucks will be waiting near the finish line after the race. The Great Cow Harbor 10K Run is not responsible for the loss or theft of personal belongings. We will only accept belongings placed in clear plastic bags.
Is there transportation back to the Northport High School parking lot?
There will be buses at the finish line area that will bring you back to the parking lot at Northport High School. These buses will keep running until the awards ceremony has been completed. Buses will run no later than 12 p.m.
Is there media coverage of the race?
For 2024 Race photos, visit www.islandphoto.com. Navigate through the Cow Harbor Race photos. To relive the excitement of the Great Cow Harbor 10K Run, look for highlights on the YES Network to be aired in October. For airing times, visit www.YESNetwork.com.
How can I volunteer?
If you would like to volunteer, either on race day or a few days before, please send your request to: cowharborvolunteering@gmail.com. You will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator.
How can I sponsor?
From website listing and vendor setup at the event to larger opportunities, please contact raceinfo@cowharborrace.com.