by Jeff BenjaminThis piece was done last month on the Manhattan College Invite, by the one and only Jeff Benjamin.
Manhattan Invite logo, photo by Manhattan Invite
Manhattan College Invite finish line, photo by Manhattan Invite
Leo Manzano, photo by Leo Manzano
At 47 years running It’s STILL “The Biggest & The Best!”
40 races. More than 8,000 competitors. ALL in one day. It is the country’s largest one-day meet, with attracting crowds up to 30,000 watching and cheering on the runners as they compete in one of the most special XC places in the world. “It’s like taking your SAT,” said Mile legend Marty Liquori.
Throughout the decades the event had been under the most utmost care of Ed Bowes who, in the pre-internet days would have to record all registrants and finishers on cards using the U.S.Postal system as well as logistically handle everything pertaining to the event manually.
At this year’s meet, Bowes was honored with the naming of the hallowed finish line area “Ed Bowes Way”.
“Ed Bowes is the guy who makes Van Cortlandt happen,” said Matt Centrowitz, who trained and competed here at the highest levels against the nation’s best during his Prep and Collegiate Days.
The starting line, Manhattan Invite, photo by Manhattan InviteCentrowitz, who has called Van Cortlandt, “The Ultimate”, is nowadays one of the forces behind the rising Manhattan College Jaspers Program, not only with the athletes but also helping to oversee the successful meet as it continues on. “We really want to make this meet even bigger.”
Honoring The Great Ed Bowes!! photo by Manhattan InviteIt sure looks like they are on their way. The meet, Sponsored by HOKA HOKA ONE, also set up a pre-day race expo, where 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist Leo Manzano appeared.
Leo Manzano and friends, by Leo ManzanoRaceday the crowds came out to cheer, observe, coach and scout (College Coaches) as they do every year along the challenging 2.5 Mile Course.
It sure looks like the tradition will not only continue, but will only get “Bigger & Better!”
Bell Lap – As mentioned in previous pieces, Matt Centrowitz’ life story in the best-selling book “Like Father, Like Son” is now being considered for some kind of Netflix Movie production, and is under consideration by the NYC Dept. Of Education to be considered a highly recommended book for students throughout NYC. To order the book, which is co-authored with Chris Kwiatkowski, can be purchased at
