October 23, Muscoot Farm

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, October 23
This Sunday, October 23, at 9:30 a.m, meet at Muscoot Farm (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for  the Run the Farm 5 Mile Trail Race. This 5 mile course starts from the farm and follows the outlying trails around Muscoot. You can download a map of the five-mile course here.
8:30 a.m. Kids’ Race (7 to 12-year-olds)
8:45 a.m. Kids’ Race 2 (6 and under)
9:30 a.m. 5 Mile Race
For more information, visit RunTheFarm.org.

Next week we’ll be back at the Reservation for our course check of the Raven Rocks Run. You won’t want to miss that.

And Save the date Friday, November 4, for a night run. We’ll meet at the Michigan Road lean-to #5 at 7:00 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. start. Bring a headlamp, a change of warm clothes, and some refreshments so you can, you know, rehydrate. Plan to spend some time around the campfire after the run.

I look forward to seeing you at the farm.

Great day for a run this past Sunday—glad you all agreed. See you next week at Muscoot for Run the Farm.

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And thanks to Peeter Muursepp, it’s never to early to think about running Bear Mountain in the spring! He contacted The North Face and they provided us with a discount code. Use LHARRIERS15 to receive 15{accc40b09832ee94a70b9d38053be2da501a998c4b43b97565b1c370fb270371} off of your entry fee at Bear Mountain. The races take place on May 13-14.

September 27, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack

Sarah Bishop Race Map
Click for map page

Sunday, September 27, 9:15 a.m.
This Sunday, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560), when we race the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. All that training and those course checks come down to this—a 10k trail race featuring a challenging course that includes the highest peak in Westchester—Bailey Mountain—and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. The weather this weekend should be beautiful and the conditions on Sunday, ideal. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but we’ll hold a few places open if you want register on-site. Race day registration will be $45 and we ask that you have exact change. Also aim to be in the park by 8:45. The road will be blocked at 9:00 for the start of the race so if you’re not there by then, well, you get the picture.

Saturday, September 26, 7:00 a.m.
If you’re looking for a Saturday run, Kevin will be running at Sylvan Glen Park Preserve in Yorktown on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. Park at the lot at across from 2857 Grant Avenue, Mohegan Lake, NY, on the western entrance to the park. I’ve now posted the map of the course which winds through Sylvan Glen to Granite Knolls Park and back again. Don’t worry if you miss this, we’ll be running here very soon. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there for this third annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack.

And don’t forget to register for the upcoming fall races:
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 25
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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September 20, Where The Pavement Ends

pavementends_iconWhere the Pavement Ends Four Mile Trail Race, Ridgefield, CT.

Sunday, September 20, 8:00 a.m. This four mile trail runs through Hemlock Hills in Ridgefield in a mix of fire road and single track that twists through areas that most of you will have never seen. Meet at the Ridgebury School, South Shore Drive, Ridgefield, CT and be ready to run at 8:00 a.m. This is another in the Trail Mix Series of races.

Second Annual Mt. Kisco 5K Road Race

Sunday, September 20, 8:30 a.m. For those looking for something different, there’s the Second Annual Mt. Kisco 5K road race through the heart of Mt. Kisco. Sunday Runner Kathy Lynch is one of the race organizers for this event that starts at 8:30 a.m. at Kirby Plaza/Train Station. Post-race party at MTK Supper Club and take advantage of Mt. Kisco Sidewalk Sale Days, including some of the best food and shops in the area.

Not into racing on Sunday? No worries. Meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow lot on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. and run the Fire Tower Summit course. Get ready for the final Trail Mix race of the season coming in November.

Next week we’ll be at Mountain Lakes Park for the Third Annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Hope to see you out there this weekend.

And don’t forget to register for the upcoming fall races:
Where the Pavement Ends, Sunday, September 20
Sarah Bishop Bushwhack, Sunday, September 27
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 25

Lee Willett

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September 28, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack

Sarah Bishop Race Map
map on SarahBishop.org

Sunday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. (1.5 mile Scramble), 9:15 a.m. (10K Bushwhack)
This Sunday, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560), when we race the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. All that training and those course checks come down to this—a 10k trail race featuring a challenging course that includes the highest peak in Westchester—Bailey Mountain—and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. The weather this weekend should be beautiful and the conditions on Sunday, ideal. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but we’ll hold a few places open if you want register on-site. Race day registration will be $45 and we ask that you have exact change. Also aim to be in the park by 8:30. The road will be blocked at 9:00 for the start of the race so if you’re not there by then, well, you get the picture.

Next week we’ll be back at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in the Meadow parking lot. I’m working on options for a run of various distances from 6 miles to 22 miles so you’ll have plenty of options for different distances. More on that next week.

Hope to see you out there for this first annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack.

Lee Willett

October 13, Muscoot Farm

click to enlarge

Sunday, October 13, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, October 13 at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Muscoot Farm parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for a course check of the Run the Farm loop.  This 5 mile course will start from the parking lot at 8:00 and follow the Run the Farm loop with the exception of finishing in the parking lot. If you’re signed up for the race, you’ll want to come to one of the course checks and test out the trail. You can download a map of the five-mile course here.

We’ll be back at Muscoot again next week for the last course check before race day.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

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September 29, Sarah Bishop Bushwhack 10 Trail Race

Click for map page
Click for map page

Sunday, September 29, 8:30 a.m. (kids’ race), 9:15 a.m. (adult race)
This Sunday, meet at Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem, New York 10560), when we race the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. All that training and those course checks come down to this—a 10k trail race featuring a challenging course that includes the highest peak in Westchester—Bailey Mountain—and beautiful views of Lookout Point and Hemlock Lake. The weather all week will be beautiful and the conditions on Sunday, ideal. Registration closes at midnight on Thursday night but we’ll hold a few places open if you want to bring a friend at the last minute. On-site registration will be $40 and we ask that you have exact change.

Next week we’ll be back at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in the Meadow parking lot to run the Dry Loop—that is, if you’re not going to be running Paine to Pain.

Hope to see you out there for this first annual Sarah Bishop Bushwhack.

Lee Willett

September 1, Meadow Parking Lot

click for map page
click for map page

Sunday, September 1, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot when we run the Meadow to Overlook loop. This is the same route we ran on July 4th and includes a finish at the river. We’ll start from the Meadow lot and pass the Trailside Museum before heading into the southern portion of the reservation and returning via Schoolhouse Road. At the end of the run, you have the option of cooling off by crossing the stream instead of heading over the bridge. Depending on the heat, it might be a refreshing change. I’ll also drop a cooler of water at Michigan Road which is the halfway point of the run.

Saturday, August 31, 8:00 a.m.
We’ll be doing a bit of trail cleanup for the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. Anyone interested in giving us a hand while running between stops, meet at the parking lot at the trailhead to Lookout Point at 8:00 a.m.

If you’re up for a faster Saturday run, meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking Lot to run the Meadow, Michigan and Museum loop. I’d suggest turning left at intersection 46, though, to keep in the shade of the pine forest near the end.

Monday, September 2, 9:30 a.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Parish is proud to bring you the 3rd Annual South Salem Church Tavern Biathlon. Race director Brian Stempel, a Sunday Runs regular, makes sure everyone has a great time and the after-race barbeque is not to be missed. The majority of the funds generated from the race will go to same worthy charities we continue to support (The Carpenter’s Kids Program, Community Center of Northern Westchester, and The Wounded Warrior Project).   – See more and register ››

I’m still deciding on next week’s venue. Any suggestions?

Lee Willett

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April 21 Leatherman’s Loop

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Leatherman’s Loop this Sunday. I know we’re expecting a little rain later this week but that should just make the mud flats that much more fun. On the 28th, we’ll be meeting at Mountain Lakes Park for a new version of the course that Mark has set up for us. This time, we’ll be going to the highest point in the park—the highest point in the county, actually. Don’t miss this fun run. I’ll send an update and post the trail map before the event. Have a great race everyone. —Lee Willett

Important notes from the Leatherman’s Loop team

Race organizers Mike Paletta, Tony & Judy Godino, Rob Cummings and the dedicated Leatherman’s Loop volunteers have been working hard to set up this year’s event. All we need is YOU!

Below are some important instructions regarding the Loop. Registration is packed full. We will need your help to ensure that loop day goes smoothly.

Here are some tips that you can incorporate into your plan for the morning and the day:

1.) ARRIVE EARLY! Please plan to arrive at the park before 8:20. Car pool if you can. Traffic will back up considerably at the park entrance as race time approaches. Please be patient. The regular $10 parking fee is incorporated as part of the loop entry fee so entry will go more quickly. It is always wise to arrive earlier than you think you need to in order to make sure you are all set by race start time (9am). This is especially true if it is your first time running the Loop.

2.) DRIVE SLOWLY and CAREFULLY in the Park! Watch the volunteers who are directing the parking. PARK TIGHT! Plan ahead – Car Pool if you can!. For a helpful overview of the race location (parking, start, bib pickup), check the logistics page on the website.

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April 14, Meadow Parking Lot

1 Week to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, April 14 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot for the final course checks of the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re running the race this year, this is your last chance to run the course with the group before race day so come out and see the trail for yourself. The water crossings are optional but not the Mud Flats so you might want to bring a second set of shoes to change into. I’m just sayin’.

Next week is the Leatherman’s Loop but in two weeks, we’ll meet at Mountain Lakes Park when we run the 5.7 mile loop and visit the highest point in Westchester.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

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April 7, Meadow Parking Lot

2 Weeks to Go Before Leatherman’s Loop

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Parking lot for the first of two course checks of the Leatherman’s Loop. If you’re running the race this year, this will be the first of two course checks and a great chance to get out and test the terrain. The water crossings are optional but not the Mud Flats so you might want to bring a second set of shoes to change into. I’m just sayin’.

We’ll be back at the Meadow lot again next week for the final course check.

Hope to see you Sunday.

Lee Willett

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Upcoming Races Spring 2013

Looking for a challenge this spring? Check out these local trail races.

Early May is Where the Wild Things Run 5k trail run in Wilton CT at the Woodcock Nature Center.

If you are up for a longer challenge, Todd Jennings is directing Rock The Ridge 50 mile endurance challenge at the spectacular Mohonk Preserve on May 4th, 2013. The challenge is open to relay teams, groups, or solo runners. All speeds welcome.

Last year one of our Sunday Run crew, Dave Vogel, started A Mild Sprain in Yonkers, NY to raise money for JDRF. On May 19th, 2013 he’s bringing this tough 4.25 mile trail run through the woods of Sprain Ridge County Park back for a second year.

For a great and constantly updated list of trail races in the tri-state area, look no further than this list from Chris Jaworski of the Essex Running Club. Chris is a die hard trail and ultra runner who has personally sampled many of the trail races he lists.

Leatherman’s Loop 2013 Lottery to Open January 10th, 2013

The 27th Running of the Leatherman’s Loop will be on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, NY.

All runner registration will be via Loop Lottery. The Loop Lottery will open at 12:01am Thursday, January 10th, 2013 and close Monday, January 14, 2013 at midnight — 5 full days total. There is no immediate rush to sign up — but don’t wait too long lest you forget! Once it is closed we won’t accept any new lottery entrants.

To sign up, visit the Leatherman’s Loop website during the lottery registration period and there will be links to the registration site. Runners will enter their information into the lottery registration, including a credit card number. Your credit card will not be charged unless you are picked in the Loop Lottery. After the Loop Lottery entry closes on Monday, January 14th we will have the drawing for winners on or just after Monday, January 21st. Lottery winners and losers will be notified via email and winners will be charged the race entry fee (and optional t-shirt cost if ordered). Please understand that there are more runners than spots available. Some folks are bound to be disappointed when they are unable to get in for 2013. We hope everyone gets the reasoning behind the lottery and the course limits.

We have put together a list of frequently asked questions about the Loop Lottery. It addresses questions about group lottery entry, duplicate registrations, and other questions you might have. We are interested in making the lottery as simple and hassle-free as possible. We appreciate any feedback or thoughts you have and can share with us. If you have any questions not covered above or in the Loop FAQ or the Loop Lottery FAQ, please get in touch via our contact form, via our email address leathermansloop@gmail.com, or ask your question in the website comments for this note.

Thanks! See you on the trails…

-Mike, Tony, Rob, and the Leatherman Harriers

Beachfront Bushwhack Trail Race

5 Mile Cross Country Run November 18, 9:30 a.m.
Camp Simmons, 744 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT (new date and location)

Plus MAX’S MILE One Mile Kids Run in memory of Maxwell Scotti

Cross country running for the whole family at our favorite venue. Be ready to leap over many hay bales & log jumps!

START/FINISH:  Camp Simmons, 744 Lake Ave., Greenwich, CT

REGISTRATION:  Pre entry $20 (kids $15) by mail or in person at threads & treads, race day entry $25 (kids $20) starting at 9 a.m.  Entries may also be faxed with credit card info to 203-661-0917.
AWARDS: Medals to all finishers in Max’s Mile.  Running shoes to the top 3 overall male & female champs in the 5 Mile. Age group awards 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. Long Sleeve race t’s to all! Learn more ››

Run the Farm Registration is Open

Muscoot Farm 5 Mile Race on Sunday, October 21, 2012. Kids races start at 8:30. Five Miler starts at 9:15.
This fun five-mile trail race is put on to show off the beauty of the Muscoot park and to increase awareness of the weekly Muscoot Farmer’s market (Sundays from May-October) and other local farmer’s markets in the area. Registration is open

Learn more at runthefarm.org ››