Pete Glavin Cross Country (PGXC) 2025

Across five scenic races hosted by local clubs, the PGXC series brings together runners of all experience levels—from seasoned competitors to beginners—for both individual and club-based competition.

At the first race, going over our new team cheer.

The Pete Glavin Cross Country (PGXC) series is a celebrated fall running tradition in upstate New York. Across five scenic races hosted by local clubs in Western, Central, and the Southern Tier of the state, the series brings together runners of all experience levels—from seasoned competitors to beginners—for both individual and club-based competition. Participants compete in various age-group categories, with team scoring, prizes, and overall series standings. The PGXC fosters a strong community spirit while offering challenging courses that pass through parks, field, and wooded terrain, making it a highlight of the regional cross-country calendar.

This was my third season running the series, and I was grateful that Amy and I were able to do this together. We ran 4 of the 5 races this year, sitting out the second race on a hot October day to spectate Elizabeth running the Wineglass Marathon.

Race 1: 5K at Bassett Park in Williamsville (Buffalo)

Matching my steps with Mike Nier (PGXC organizer) as we approach the finish line.

September 21: Buffalo is by far the longest drive for us, just over 2 and a half hours to run a 5K. The day was really warm, and I was grateful it was only a 5K after making it around the first loop of the course. I had a wonderful time with this, though, and despite the heat, the sunshine (and ensuing sunny dispositions) made this a great way to kick off the season.

5K in 19:59 // 64 of 168 overall, 5 of 23 age group, 6:26 pace // strava

Race 3: 6K at West Genesee High School (Syracuse)

October 19: This course was on a derelict golf course, under the ownership of the West Genesee High School. The parking area is tucked behind a Lowe’s and a Walmart, and after climbing up a narrow path, we found ourselves in a great staging area for the massive crowd of runners. This being Syracuse Track Club’s local race, they brought a huge contingent! It was really windy. Around the midpoint of the race, I walked for probably 10 seconds up a steep hill. Turns out that lost me my only chance at chocolate as a prize (the top 3 in each age group get chocolate from Trader Joe’s), as the 3rd place finisher was just 6 seconds in front of me. Lesson learned!

6K in 24:57 // 50 of 241 overall, 4 of 27 age group, 6:42 pace // strava

Race 4: 8K at Treman State Park (Ithaca)

Look at that strong FLRC turnout! I’m not in this picture, because I was talking race strategy with two other runners and totally missed the fact there was a group photo opportunity. Ugh.

Amy and I all smiles after our hard efforts.

November 2: Another stellar day, and a strong turnout from Ithaca for this home race at Treman State Park. The course had, in the words of Dave Kania, “something for everyone to hate.” Open fields, obstacles in the form of grills and manhole covers, packed cinder, blacktop, dirt singletrack, rutted leaf-strewn Jeep roads, and rocky paths. In other words, it was perfect! The singletrack portion was my personal favorite, but the longer distance really gassed me. A hard-fought effort for sure.

8K in 31:25 // 52 of 230 overall, 5 of 26 age group, 6:32 pace // strava

Race 5: 8K at Center Park in Fairport (Rochester)

November 9: Ah, the last race of the season. Given all of the sunshine above, you were probably wondering when the rainy picture would arrive. Well, here it is! It was cold and rainy for this, so we kept warm in the car until just before race time. We remember coming to Center Park when we lived in Fairport, and it’s grown up quite a bit since then. The course was lovely, and it did stop raining for the most part while we were running. Since this was the championship race, we changed into street clothes (in the car) after running so we could stay somewhat warm for the pizza, cookies, and awards that followed.

8K in 31:49 // 67 of 180 overall, 5 of 31 age group, 6:38 pace // strava

Series Recap

You know what they say about cross country? Every place counts. And in the end, there are awards for team and individual performances. Amy and I both scored bottles of wine for our individual top 10 age group performances, and pint glasses for our team performances (top 3 within each age group). High Noon Men’s Vets took 3rd overall, and Women’s Vets won 1st Overall. Here’s how the top 10 individual vets shook out.

All in all, I’m incredibly pleased with how this year’s series went. Looking forward to the years to come!