
Fire Tower Trail Races
Run through Ward Pound Ridge Reservation to support the historic Cross River Mountain Fire Tower.
Race Date
Jun 7, 2026
Location
Cross River, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Location
- Cross River, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon offers a unique race experience set within the scenic Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, NY. This event, first run in 2026, supports the reconstruction of the historic Cross River Mountain Fire Tower, originally built in 1926.
The half marathon course circumnavigates the park, taking runners past three overlooks—Spy Rock, Raven Rocks, and Leatherman Overlook—and notable rock formations. With an approximate elevation change of 2360 feet, the course presents a significant challenge. The 10k option also climbs to the top of the park, featuring an elevation change of 1006 feet.
Runners can expect a course that winds through the park's natural beauty, with the fundraising efforts directly benefiting the restoration and accessibility of the fire tower, as well as educational programs about the park's history. The race is organized by the "Friends of the Fire Tower" through the Westchester Parks Foundation.
Race-provided description
The Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon and 10k Race are set for Sunday June 7, 2026 at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, NY. The race celebrates the return of the historic fire tower to its former spot atop the Cross River Mountain in Pound Ridge. Both the half marathon and the 10k course pass by the summit where the fire tower is currently being reconstructed by the county parks department. The half marathon circumnavigates the park trails, hitting all of three the overlooks (Spy Rock, Raven Rocks, and the Leatherman Overlook) and rock features* highlighed on the trail map. The 10k is shorter but still a challenge to the top of the park. More details about the race and course including course maps are available at the website. The elevation change for the 10k is 1006 feet. The half marathon elevation change is approximately 2360 feet. See Strava maps below and at the crmfiretower.org website We are raising money for the "Friends of the Fire Tower" as we put on this race -- and continuing afterwards. The Friends group is part of the Westchester Parks Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit. The fundraising will be used for projects enhancing the accessibility of the tower to the public as well as education about the park and the historic land that it sits on. There will be opportunities for larger donations to support educational signage, canopy viewscape mapping signage, and benches at the base among other things. We hope you can come out to run the race, volunteer, and donate to support the Friends of the Fire Tower as we support the opening and continued enhancement of the Fire Tower experience at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. ....Rob & Ciorsdan, Race directors More information, photos, video, and history of the Cross River Mountain Fire Tower and our efforts to get it restored can be found at our website crmfiretower.org -- *rock features on the Rock Trail include: Raven Rocks, Castle Rock, Spy Rock, Bear Rock, Dancing Rock, and Indian Rock Shelter
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Softstyle Cotton T-Shirt
Start Location
Reservation Road, Cross River, NY, 10518
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Park, Mountain
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 77°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
58°
Afternoon (High)
77°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Fire Tower Trail Races?
The Fire Tower Trail Races is held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Fire Tower Trail Races take place?
It takes place in Cross River, New York.
What distances does the Fire Tower Trail Races offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K.
Is the Fire Tower Trail Races course flat and good for a PR?
The Fire Tower Trail Races is a hilly, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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