SUNDAY

On Sunday, July 22, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Nature Museum when we run the classic Trailside Museum Multiloop. This course offers runners a variety of distances including a new 9-mile loop that goes down the back side of Blue. Those looking to start can begin with the perimeter loop at 5:00 a.m. (bring a headlamp), or bring your own map and run 4-mile loops at 6:00 or 7:00.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, July 21, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Pell Hill Lot when we run a very special berry-hunting run. Your pace may suffer but I’ve seen a lot of blueberries and wineberries in the park and we’re going to see if we can grab some along the way, you know, for nutrition. You might want to bring a container and water on this one. Final course TBD the morning of.

Enjoy the photo from last week’s run at Westmoreland.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, July 15, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Westmoreland Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mount Kisco when we run the 5.25 mile perimeter loop. This time, we run the course in a counterclockwise direction and return to the main lot. Those who want an extra challenge can do the Butler loop across the street after the run. That will add another 3+ miles at least for a total of around 8.5. See the map ››

Those looking to start early should park at Butler Sanctuary.
5:00 a.m. We’ll head down to Meyer preserve, returning before 8:00
6:00 a.m. or 7:00 a.m., run a perimeter loop of Butler, adding some additional trails as time permits.Head over to Westmoreland at 8:00.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, July 14, at 6:30 a.m., meet near 80 Macedonia Road, Kent, CT, when we run a portion of the Appalachian Trail. We’ll run south 7 miles, back to the start, then an optional north 4.5 before returning. You have options of distances of 14 and 23 miles; elevation gain on the 14 mile run is 4,100 feet so be prepared for a climb. We’ll head over to Gifford’s for brunch afterwards so bring a change of clothes.

Anyone interested in sharing a ride for the 14 mile run can contact me. We could meet at the Lewisboro Town Park lower lot at 5:15 for the hour drive.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Thanks for everyone coming out this past week. Great to see so many faces on the trails.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, July 8, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot ready to run the Michigan Road Gerrython. Named for Gerry Sullivan, this course offers distances from 5 to 13 miles, depending on what you’d like to run. We’ll all start on FH toward the Meadow then split off on our various courses after that. The weather should be perfect for this classic run. Those looking to start early can begin at 5:00 a.m. with the 13 mile perimeter loop. Those starting at 6:00 or 7:00 can make shorter loops.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, July 7, we’re looking to put together a crew to run the Escarpment trail this weekend. Options include the first half (9 miles, 2000 ft climb), the second half (11 miles, 3000 ft climb), out-and-back from the finish, and the full trail (18 mile, 4,800 ft climb). Read the details here and please RSVP if you’re interested.

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Meanwhile, enjoy the photo from the July 4 run at Levy Preserve (thanks Doug), and this past week’s Subway Series run below that. Glad you all made it back safely using the new map.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, July 1, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation when we run using an entirely new map—the Reservation Subway Series. For the past years, we’ve been using the same Reservation map and many of you have gotten pretty good at actually following it. It’s time for a change. This Sunday, we’ll be using a stylized “subway” map of the Rez that shows all the trails in a simplified fashion. Start at the Meadow and complete the course by passing through the numbered landmarks using whatever trails you’d like. Minimum distance should be around 6 miles but you have the option of lengthening by taking less direct paths. This is the perfect run for anyone who spends time on the New York City Subway.

If you’re looking for an early start, meet at 5:00, 6:00, or 7:00 for some additional loops before the run. If the weather cooperates, we’ll be treated to a nearly full moon. See the map here ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, June 30, at 7:00 a.m., we’re looking to run part of the Ramapo-Dunderberg Trail in Harriman State Park. This is a challenging trail that starts at a small lot on 9W and continues westward for a six mile loop and includes an aggressive 2,200 feet of ascent. The full trail continues beyond that but we’ll save that for another Saturday. Those looking to share a ride can meet at the Katonah Woods Bridge Lot ready to leave by 6:00 a.m. If you’re planning on doing this, make sure you bring plenty of water, it’s a beast.
See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Enjoy the photo from last week’s Summer Loopstice.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, June 24, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking lot to run the Leatherman’s Loop course in our second annual Summer Loopstice. To celebrate the summer solstice, we’ll run the full loop course. See the map ›› Those wanting to make it an epic day can start at 5:00 a.m. with a 12 mile clockwise perimeter loop, no headlamp required. Those starting at 6:00 or 7:00 can run the perimeter counterclockwise to meet us.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, June 23, at 7:00 a.m., meet at the Bedford Audubon Society, 35 Todd Road, Katonah, when we run the Hunt/Parker preserve. The looped course to North Salem Road is about 5.5 miles but if you’re up for more running, we can extend the run to the Mount Holly Sanctuary and Yarrow Preserve for 10-ish miles. Those looking for even more distance can follow North Salem road to Mt. Holly Road over the dam onto Maple Avenue for some awesome dirt roads. Download the PDF map here ›› 

Hope to see you out there this weekend and good luck to everyone running Manitou’s Revenge.

Lee Willett

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And enjoy the photo from the Father’s Day run from Kimberly Bridge. Glad to see so many dads out on the trails.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, June 17, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot when we run a course that will take us off the reservation—literally—to Richard’s Preserve and Armstrong Preserve which abut the west side of the Reservation and offer unique views of the Cross River Reservoir. The Saturday group rand this course a couple weeks ago and gave it a thumbs-up. Total distance is 9 miles but you can extend or cut the run in many possible ways. Those who want to start early can begin at 6:00 or 7:00. See the map page ››

SATURDAY

On Saturday, June 16, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond on the Ridgefield/Danbury border when we run an epic 10 mile loop designed by Keith Realander. Meet at the parking lot on Bennett’s Farm Road (see Google map) prepared to run this clockwise loop which includes some of the same trails in the Pavement Ends race. Those looking for a shorter run can eliminate the Hemlock Hills loop. An out-and-back to the end of of the White trail will get you a scenic 5 mile run so there are options for making the run shorter.

Hope to see you out there this weekend. And let me know if you’re interested in the Roots Festival at Caramoor coming up next weekend.

Lee Willett

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Enjoy the picture from this past week when Alan was only 49.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, June 10, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we run the Green/Rock trail loop. This 6.5 mile loop will take us on the Rock Trail for the first time in a while and offers great views from Spy Rock and Raven Rocks. If you’re looking to start early, we’ll pick some loops from the Michigan 8 x 4 map starting at 5:00 a.m.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, June 9, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park, Upper Parking Lot, when we run Peeter’s Ultra Fun Multidistance Loop. At 7:00, we’ll run the 4.2 mile Fun Trail, and swing back to pick up Claudia who promises to be there at 8:00. After that, we’ll tackle one of the longer distances like the 10 mile Fun Rocks loop. It will be…er…fun!

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett
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Wednesday, June 6, is Global Running Day. To celebrate, let’s run the Raven Rocks course. Meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot at 5:00 a.m. ready to run. We’ll finish after 6:00 with plenty of time to get you to work on time. Come celebrate!

SUNDAY

This Sunday, June 3, at 9:45 a.m., meet at Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers, for the seventh annual A Mild Sprain—the second in the Trail Mix Series of races. Race director David Vogel always makes sure this is a fun and challenging 5 mile race so plan on attending. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. so come early and hang out before the race. For early risers, meet at 8:00 a.m. for a course check before the race.

SATURDAY

This Saturday, June 2, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot when we run a course that will take us off the reservation—literally—to Richard’s Preserve and Armstrong Preserve which abut the west side of the Reservation and offer unique views of the Cross River Reservoir. Total distance is 9 miles but you can extend the run many possible ways. I don’t have a map of the run from Kimberly Bridge but we’ll start up Blue and head toward Red/Yellow. See the map here ››
As an alternative, if you’re looking for elevation, Blue Hill Repeats will begin at 4:00 a.m. and continue until someone gives up. Just show up any time and start running.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

Enjoy the photo from this past run at Lewisboro Town Park.

SUNDAY

This Sunday, May 27, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run a course that includes some of the newest trails in the Reservation—The Town Park to Covered Bridge Loop. We’ll all start out together and head toward the Meadow and up the FH trail but from there, you’ll have options for different distances. Three of the four options will take you through the covered bridge. The 8.6 mile option takes you to a couple smaller trails that we haven’t been on in a while so pay attention to the turns. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 6:00 a.m. or 7:00 for an additional 8 or 4 miles.

SATURDAY

This Saturday, May 26, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Sylvan Glen, near Yorktown. This is a former quarry that provided the stone for the ramps to the George Washington and Whitestone bridges and there are remnants throughout the park as a result. We’ll follow a course that will cross one road and continue into Granite Knolls, an adjacent park where we’ll find the giant boulder—you’ll know it when you see it. If you want to continue your run, you can follow the perimeter of Granite Knolls and cross a bridge over the Taconic State Parkway into Woodlands Legacy Fields Park and add an extra 2.5 miles or more of the perimeter loop there. Park at the lot across from 2857 Grant Avenue, Mohegan Lake, NY, on the western entrance to the park and see the map page here ››

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY

There are some races on Monday that you might be participating in but if you are looking for something less competitive, this Monday, May 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Butler Preserve in Mt. Kisco for a 5-mile double out-and-back course. If you’re looking for longer, Westmoreland is just across the street.

Lee WIllett
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Great looking group in the fog at Mountain Lakes last weekend.

SUNDAY

On Sunday, May 20, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Mountain Lake Park, Trailhead to Lookout Point, when we run a course that includes the Old Sib Preserve—the new “lollypop” trail in the north part of the park. If you want to get some miles in, the 5:00 a.m. crew will pre-run the course and be back by 7:00 a.m. for a few more miles.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, May 19, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Leon Levy Preserve, Route 123 just south of Route 35 in Lewisboro. I have a twisted loop that gets almost six miles out of this small preserve plus there are some new trails across 123 that are in development. We can check those out as well.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Enjoy the pic from last week’s run from Michigan Road.

On Sunday, May 13, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road Lot ready to run Eleanor’s Escape. This 7.5 mile loop combines some level double-track trails with some aggressive single-track rocky uphills. While not marked on the map, take the new RT cliffside trail to Raven Rocks for even more adventure. If you’re looking to start early, arrive at 6:00 or 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

On Saturday, May 12, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Lot ready to run the Meadow to Overlook course. Options include 6 and 8 mile loops, but don’t let that stop you from adding more miles if you need. Bring your own maps in case I don’t make this. See the map here ››

A big congratulations to everyone who ran the North Face Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain this past weekend. Within the group, we had age group winners (Todd), several who finished their first ultra, others who completed their longest distance, and supporters and volunteers that made sure we made it through safely. All of that made for an exciting day of watching friends cross the finish line. You all are awesome.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Lee Willett

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Enjoy the pic from Zofnass this past week.

From NFEC Bear Mountain

This Sunday, May 6, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge (259 Upper Shad Road, see Google Map) when we run everyone’s favorite labyrinthian preserve with a network of trails noted for its crags and rock outcrops. Meet at the main entrance and follow a 6-mile perimeter loop counterclockwise making all right turns except for exiting the park, and excluding the orange, western loop which tends to be swampy. Keep an eye out for the newest trail connecting the “Tulip Tree” to “Layer Cake Rock.” See the map page here. Note: park on the north side of Upper Shad Road. If you park on the south side, you may be ticketed.

Looking for a longer run on Sunday? Mianus River Gorge is 2.8 miles away on mostly dirt roads. Exit Zofnass at the northern loop onto S. Bedford Road and head west for up to a total of 16 miles of running bliss. See the map here ››

On Saturday, May 5, at 9:00 a.m., meet at the Depew Court Parking Lot at Blue Mountain and run the Blue Mountain Perimeter Loop. Once done, get a bite to eat at Peekskill Coffee House and head over Anthony Wayne Lot at Harriman State Park and take the shuttle to the finish of the North Face Endurance Challenge. Cheer on your friends as they cross the finish line and hang out with the group. We’ll have a tent set up so bring some food and beverage and stick around.

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Meanwhile, enjoy the photo from last Friday’s night run…

…and Sunday’s run at Kimberly Bridge.

Lee Willett

SUNDAY

On Sunday, April 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Kimberly Bridge Lot when we run the Boutonville Oak Multidistance Loop. This run gives you opportunities for a range of distances and if you’re tapering for Bear Mountain, you might want to stick to the shorter distances. Note: while the map has us take a bushwhack after the Boutonville Oak, I’m going to recommend sticking with the DH trail and avoiding the tick sanctuary. The change probably eliminates half a mile from the total distance.  Those looking to start early can arrive at 6:30 a.m. for an early loop.

SATURDAY

On Saturday, April 28, at 7:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road Lot and run the Rock Trail 6.5 mile loop. This challenging course is the perfect way to start your weekend but bring your own maps—I won’t be running on Saturday.

FRIDAY NIGHT

On Friday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road Lean-to 5 when we have our first night run of the year—Rob’s Run, a 6.5 mile loop that includes the Overlook at sunset and Dancing Rock. Bring a headlamp, some snacks, and some refreshing beverages to share around the fire after the run. We’ll start the run at 7:30 p.m. While it looks like there is a chance of showers on Friday, the temps will be relatively warm so the run is on rain or (moon)shine.

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett
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