September 16, Where the Pavement Ends

SUNDAY

On Sunday, September 16, get ready to run Where the Pavement Ends. Started in 2012, Where the Pavement Ends has become one of the most popular trail races in the area. The race winds through the hills and trails of northern Ridgefield, Connecticut, along the Danbury border. Kicking off at Lake Windwing, it traverses fields, rounds the lake, and heads up into Hemlock Hills and dips back to Lake Windwing 4.25 challenging miles later. It’s one hour from Hartford, 45 minutes from White Plains, 90 minutes from New York City.

Racers and spectators park at Ridgebury Elementary, a short walk from Ballfields Park on South Shore Drive, Ridgefield, where the race starts. There is food, water, and post-race entertainment. In 2016, 150 competed in the race–with a winning time of 32:28. Being the last race of summer and the first race of fall, it’s the ideal time of year for trail running. Register today ››

Where the Pavement Ends is the third race in the annual six-race Trail Mix Series, put on by race directors in Fairfield County and Westcheter County. Those competing in four of the six races are eligible for age-group prizes and for guaranteed selection from the Leatherman’s Loop lottery. See more details at trailmixseries.org

SATURDAY

A couple weeks ago we connected the first set of intersections in the Rez when we Ran the Numbers. A couple of us made it to 39 by the end of the day so let’s continue. On Saturday, September 15, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge lot when we run intersections 40 through 52. If you want to continue past that, go ahead, but save some for the race the next day.

Just two weeks away from the next race in the series, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack, on Sunday, September 30. Shirt orders will go in Monday, September 17, so if you want one, you’ll need to register. Register today ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Beautiful day for this past run at the Trailside Museum no matter how far you ran. Note that I’m going to be posting the weekly photo on the Sunday Runs Facebook page. Please like that page so Facebook can tag you easily.