Northeast Regional Leaving Van Cortlandt Park After More Than 40 Years

By Doug Binder, DyeStat Editor

John Nepolitan File Photo

The Foot Locker Cross Country Championships presented by HOKA may have regained its familiar name after a couple of years with different title sponsors, but the Northeast regional meet is undergoing a significant change this year. 

The Northeast meet, one of four across the nation that serve as qualifying meets for the national finals, is moving to Boston's Franklin Park and will be contested Nov. 25. 

That means leaving New York and Van Cortlandt Park for the first time since the event started back in 1979. 

Over summer, longtime Northeast coordinator Phil Zodda stepped down and the job was offered to 1998 national champion and four-time national qualifier, Jorge Torres. He accepted the role in late August. 

"Whenever you think of the Foot Locker Northeast Regional, you can't help but think of Phil," Torres said.

With the change in leadership came a change in venue.

"Although VCP has provided so many excellent memories, we felt it was time for a change," Torres said. "For myself, being located in Boston it felt right to find a new home at the historic Franklin Park. I'm certain that the City of Boston and the running community will provide an A+ experience to all runners today and well into the future!"

Franklin Park has a long and storied history as well. It was the site of the 1992 IAAF World Cross Country Championships. 

The annual Mayor's Cup was held there last Sunday. 

"Franklin Park is a tough and challenging course," Torres said. "It has a little bit of everything, from hills, trees, open fields and even an old bear cage," he said. 

The high school course records on the 5-kilometer layout belong to current Pac-12 coaches Andy Powell of Washington (Oliver Ames HS MA) and Shalane Flanagan of Oregon (Marblehead MA). 

"We are excited to welcome the future stars of running to Boston," Torres said.