Reebok Manhattan HS Invitational 2012

No. 1 runner in the nation is ready to make his 2012 debut (via The Star-Ledger - NJ.com)

The 2012 Eastern States is about to strike again and once more it will impact with a cataclysmic power that sends everybody running for the hills -- the Van Cortlandt Back Hills, of course.

The 5th running of the Boys Eastern States at the Manhattan Invitational is about to be given the gun and currently includes 32 teams, with 13 hailing from NY, 4 from NJ, 3 from PA, 2 each from DE, RI,  NH, VA and VT, and and 1 from CA and CT. After the pyrotechnics last year centered on Edward Cheserek's run to a 12 minute barrier-shattering record, anticipation is beginning to build that the 2012 could be just as special. Defending Eastern States champion and also NXN National winner Christian Brothers Academy of NJ is back and looking even more dominating than last year. Cheserek also is returning for a debut run in the 2012 XC season, so there is a lot of interest in what level he will be at for his first competition. NY champion Nick Ryan of Fayetteville and his team will also be making their inaugural season run, giving the question marks more room to multiply at Van Cortlandt Park.

Edward Cheserek is understandably anxious to make his eagerly anticipated and long awaited season debut on Saturday at venerable Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, but the No. 1 runner in the nation isn’t sure what to expect when he finally hits the trails in the Eastern States race at the 40th Manhattan Invitational.  

Along with the championship Eastern States race, the Manhattan Invite will also include 7 other boys' varsity races identified with letters from A to F, and starting every 12 minutes. More than 230 teams will be running in the varsity letter races. The statistics included below use the TR speed ratings f or NY teams, and where possible they are also included for runners from out of state. Team position for out of state teams are estimated from state rankings and ratings.

Along with the championship Eastern States race, the Manhattan Invite will also include 6 other girls' varsity races identified with letters from A to G, and starting every 12 minutes. More than 200 teams will be running in the varsity letter races. The statistics included below are largely based on the NY teams, who generally take most of the top positions in the non-Eastern States races. Data for teams outside of NY and NJ is tougher to find but they have been included for a large amount of outstanding runners.

Christian Brothers Academy blasted a 12:44.54 team average for the course record.  Edward Cheserek won in 11:58 and Mary Cain won in 14:03. (Photo by Kyle Brazeil)

Van Cortlandt Park, NY - Well, after a week long of speculation, postulation, and more than likely quite a few pump-up speeches from coaches, the 40th Manhattan College XC Invitational is upon us.  We've had the most extensive coverage around all week, which can be found below, and you can use it as your viewers guide to quite possibly the largest meet of the year so far.  We'll be on site live, bringing you live coverage starting at noon.  Stay tuned as the championship season has finally begun!

Bronx NY - Yesterday's Manhattan Invite threw down some fast times all around.  We've got race footage, interviews with the winners, and the top placing NY Teams right here for you.   UPDATES ALL DAY LONG.  CHECK BACK TO SEE YOUR RACE!

Fifty years ago this fall, my running career began the way most do in New York, with a trip to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx for a high school cross-country race.  (via www.nytimes.com) (Photo by Aaron Rich)

When pace-setting Reagan Anderson raced out of the woods, over the bridge, down the hill and into the daylight at Van Cortlandt Park last month toward the finish of the Manhattan Invitational girls Eastern States championship race, she had more than the lead to protect as the home stretch beckoned. As team captain, the Tatnall senior from Delaware shouldered the weight of group responsibility. (via Running Times)