Canada
Manhattan
Southbound 400
The Southbound 400 (SB400) is an extraordinary endurance challenge stretching from the New York-Canada border to the iconic Battery Park in Manhattan. This three-day, 400-mile relay race pushes runners to their limits, blending road running and trail running into a single, team-based event.
Starting on May 10th and concluding on May 12th, participants follow the Empire State Trail, navigating through the scenic Hudson Valley’s woods, country roads, bustling city streets, and the shoulders of highways. Born from a community-centric running culture, SB400 defies the notion of running as a solitary sport, bringing together teams to conquer this ultimate test of endurance.
19 St Johns Hwy, New York
230 Vesey St, New York
Kingston, NY 12401
At 3:56 AM, we woke up at our Super 8 motel on the outskirts of Kingston, NY. The news channel buzzed with last night’s events as the man at the counter offered us granola bars and orange juice for breakfast. We jumped into our rental and drove to the starting line.
Upon arriving at the starting line, everything is already in full spin. Some groups were engaged in yoga sessions, while others used various tools to wake up their legs. For the athletes, this marked the beginning of day three of running more than 100 miles.
Having been to the finish line the previous night we had seen first-hand what these athletes go through for days on end.
By 4:55 AM, everyone had gathered around the starting line. The race director, Aingeru, read instructions through a bullhorn, counting down the minutes.
Despite the rain and cold weather, the runners' spirits remained high. Laughter and camaraderie filled the air as teams helped each other prepare.
“10 seconds!” Aingeru announced through the bullhorn and everybody got in position. Seconds later the runners took off as if it were an 800m dash, despite knowing they had 100+ miles ahead of them.
The moment passed and things went silent again, we headed back to our rental car.
the Hudson
By 4:15 PM, we had travelled back to the city. Navigating the usual traffic, we marvelled at the teams running the same distance on foot.
Southbound, together with Arc'teryx, had rented the full patio at Brookfield Place. With the financial district's multi-story skyscrapers as a backdrop, Brookfield Place’s patio is located on the banks of the Hudson. There are no cars and is shielded from the usual hustle and bustle of south Manhattan. A DJ was playing music, and sponsors were giving out food and drinks. The atmosphere was one of anticipation.
Word came that the first two teams were about to arrive, and it was going to be a sprint finish. After 400 miles, these teams were mere seconds apart.
The volume was building and as the first runner rounded the corner, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of screams, confetti, and bullhorn sirens.
The first runner broke the finish line tape, followed closely by her team on Citibikes, celebrating together as the second team arrived seconds later.
As the sun set on Manhattan, more teams rolled in one by one, each greeted with celebratory chaos and sound. The Southbound 400 had brought us together in a way that transcended the physical challenge. The camaraderie, determination, and passion for running displayed by the teams were truly inspiring.
The SB400 experience reinforced our sense of community and love for the sport. We were happy to play a small part in this journey and watch athletes navigate the devastating lows and the endorphin-riddled highs that come from accomplishing something truly challenging.
See you next year.
230 Vesey St, New York
See you next year.
