This Sunday, March 6, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run a course that includes the newest trail 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 down the new CB trail to the new covered bridge. If you run the 7.3 or 8.6 loop, when you get to the private residence on Michigan, keep to your left and take the path around the house. 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 7:00 a.m. for a short loop. Download a PDF map of the course ››
This Sunday, February 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Bennett’s Pond on the Ridgefield/Danbury border when we run an epic 10.5 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 6.5-mile 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. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m.See the map here ››
This Sunday, February 21, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we follow the Michigan to Kimberly Bridge course. Michigan Road is our traditional starting point for runs in the southern portion of the reservation but this time we’ll run North from the lot to the Meadow, follow some of the Leatherman’s Loop course trail to Kimberly Bridge, then “up” the blue trail and return by way of yellow. There are some hills on this course particularly around mile 4. You have been warned. Those looking for an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles. PDF of the trail is available here ››
Next week we’ll change up the scenery a bit and meet at Bennett’s Pond in Ridgefield.
On Sunday, February 14, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd #1, Ossining, NY 10562, and run an out-and-back course on the Teatown Kitchawan Trail. The course consists of relatively easy trails, a dirt road, and a small stretch of pavement. The full course is 13.2 miles round trip marked as the gray line on the map but you can turn back at any point for a shorter run.
We’ll start at the Teatown Lake Reservation which has a HEATED nature center open at 9:00 a.m. After the run, you can bring a thermos of something warm to drink or something to eat and hang out while getting warm. It’s going to be cold out there on Sunday, I’m not going to lie about that, so dress warmly. If you’d like to get a few miles in early, arrive at 7:00 a.m.
This Sunday, February 7, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking Lot and rise to the challenge of the Fifth Annual Looper Bowl. Follow the loop course and live the excitement of the Leatherman’s Loop but colder. Detours are available to avoid both water crossings but not the mud flats so be prepared to get dirty. There’s a lot of water on the course but Tony has been through the Mud Flats and cleared out the worst of the buckthorn. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles.
Next week we’ll be meeting at a new location when we run the Teatown Kitchawan Trail. More on that to come.
This Sunday, January 31, at 8:00 a.m., meet at a new location—Reis Park in Somers—when we run the Reis Park/Angle Fly 6 Mile Loop. This set of trails is well marked and contains a variety of terrain that you’re going to love. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles. To get to Reis Park, take Route 35 to Route 100 North. At approximately 1/4 mile, turn left onto Route 139. and follow for 2 miles to Reis Park on your right at Primrose Drive. Park near the tennis courts—the trail head is behind the western edge of the courts. See the map page ›› or download the Geo Reference PDF ›› (thanks to Kevin Rader).
And you won’t want to miss next weekend’s run when the Looper Bowl returns! All of the fun of the Leatherman’s Loop but with snow. Hope to see you out there this weekend.
This Sunday, January 24, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot when we run the RAVEN LUNATIC—all of the fun of the Raven Rocks Run but with snow and no trail markers! With the winter snow arriving on Saturday, I can’t tell you what we’ll find on the trails on Sunday but this is going to be one to remember so you won’t want to miss it. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles. See the map page ››
Depending on conditions on Sunday, we may have to meet at the Trailside museum instead but we’ll make the call at 7:00. If you don’t see cars at the Meadow, head to the Trailside lot.
Hope to see you out there this weekend.
Update 7:30 p.m. Saturday: Looks like we’ll have quite a bit of snow for Sunday’s run. The run is on but use your best judgement whether you can get there safely. If you do, you truly are a Raven Lunatic!
This Sunday, January 17, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge reservation Michigan Road Lot when we run Rob’s Run—6.5 miles of trails in the southern portion of the park that take us past the overlook, Leatherman’s Cave, Bear Rock Petroglyph, and Dancing Rock. Optional cutoff at intersection 34 will take a mile off the distance. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. and run north to the Meadow and return via Schoolhouse Road in time for the group start. Those looking to add extra miles after the run have some options including access to Honey Hollow Road and Upper Hook. See the map page ››
On Monday, January 18, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the parking lot on the yellow trail (see map) inside Angle Fly Preserve in Somers. We’ll run south making a perimeter loop of Angle Fly in a clockwise direction. To get to Angle Fly Preserve, take Route 35 to Route 100 North. At approximately 1/4 mile, turn left onto Route 139. and follow for 1.5 miles to Angle Fly Preserve on your left Saturday’s run in the preserve was awesome so you’re going to love this one. See the trail map here ››
And don’t forget Saturday night’s Trail Mix Awards Ceremony and Post-Holiday Party. RSVP to the invite, sign up for the potluck, bring something to drink and an inexpensive/fun gift to exchange. We’ve gotten a good response so far so it looks like we’re going to have a great party.
This Sunday, January 10, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the trail head to Lookout Point in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North, Salem, NY) when we run the 10K-ish Sarah Bishop Course Backwards. That is, we’ll start at the trail head to lookout point, run up to Hemlock campsite and follow the Sarah Bishop course in the opposite direction. That means heading down the stairs near the end of the run so save a little energy for that. It looks like we’ll have some rain on Sunday so if you don’t know already, yes, we run in the rain. If you want to get an early start, arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››
On Saturday, January 9, at 7:30 a.m., meet at the Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd #1, Ossining, NY 10562, and run an out-and-back Teatown Kitchawan Trail. The full course is 13.2 miles round trip but you can turn back at any point you’d like for a shorter run. Kevin Rader will be on hand but while the course is easy to follow, you should bring your own map just in case. Download the PDF the trail map here ›› |Learn more here ››
This Sunday, January 3, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Museum to Blue Route. This 7-mile course starts down the Orange trail and winds its way to Raven Rocks and back by the Blue trail. While it’s 7 miles, the course avoids the steepest uphills (if you can believe that). Options are listed for 6.5 mile and 5.75 mile options as well. Anyone interested in starting early can arrive by 7:00 a.m. for a shorter loop.
On Saturday, January 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd #1, Ossining, NY 10562, and run an out-and-back Teatown Kitchawan Trail. The full course is 15 miles round trip but you can turn back at any point you’d like for a shorter run. Virgil Bretz will arrange for cofee, tea, water and homemade power cookies at the finish. Download the PDF the trail map here ›› |Learn more here ››
Looking to start the year off right? On Friday, January 1, at 9:00 a.m., how about a run through Blue Mountain with the MYX 5.5 Mile Loop. I’ve already checked with the Peekskill Coffee House and they will be open that day so show up, place your breakfast order, go run, and enjoy your crepe afterward. Their number is 914-739-1287. But bring your own maps, I’m not sure I’ll make this run. See the PCH menu here›› | View the meeting spot in Google Maps ›› | Download Course Map (PDF) ››
This Sunday, December 27, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Lewisboro Town Park upper lot when we run a new variation of our annual Fat Ass run which will take us from the Town Park to the Overlook. This is the perfect antidote to the holiday sluggishness for sure. You’ll start up the Town Park Hill, climb Fox Hill, and make a third climb to the Overlook. Don’t worry, it’s not all uphill—there are some nice downhills in the Pine Forest and CB trails. If you’re not up for the full 7.8 miles, there are options for shorter distances as well. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a short loop.
On Saturday, December 26, at 7:45 a.m., Kevin Rader will lead a 9 mile run at Bear mountain. Meet at 7:45 a.m. at the north end of the Hessian Lake Parking Lot, near the ice rink. Anyone looking to ride share can meet at the Woods Bridge commuter lot in Katonah at 7:00 a.m. Check out the map page here ››
On Thursday, December 24, at 8:30 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot and run the Leatherman’s Dry Loop. Sure, we’re a month away from the Looper Bowl but you might as well check out the trails. And with the warm temperatures, you might even consider the water crossings and mud flats of the actual course (though the mud flats are likely overgrown with buckthorn and the field before the last water crossing is unmowed and tick-infested).
This Sunday, December 20, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow lot when we run a new course—the Rock Trail 8 Mile Loop. We’ll head south through the meadow trails and return via FH. In between we’re going to see the Bear Rock Petroglyph, Spy Rock, the Stairs, Castle Rock, Raven Rocks, Indian Rock Shelter, and plenty more rocks along the way. If you’re looking for something less ambitious, there’s a 5.5 mile loop as well. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a short loop.
Once again everyone has displayed a heart of gold toward Eamonn. His desire to succeed is shadowed only by his love of running and you guys have helped that love to grow with your support of his nationals trips. His desire for a real “cross country” course at nationals as can only be created by the Leathermans Harriers may never be realized, but he will always be proud to represent the true trail runners on the tame courses of the Junior Olympics. I thank you for being there for him as you always have.
Peace,
Gerry
And from Eamonn:
Dear Leatherman Harriers,
I would like to say that I am extremely thankful for all the support that you have given me. You have made it clear that you are happy I like to run and that you care. Thank you for all of your contributions.
Sincerely,
Eamonn Sullivan
P.S. Leatherman Harriers is the only real running group.
This Sunday, December 13, 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 making all right turns except for exiting the park, and excluding the orange, western loop. See the map page here. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the Southern and Central Roundabout loops.
And anyone looking to run Saturday, December 12, Kevin Rader is going to head up to Bear Mountain early, starting at 7:30 a.m. and running the North Face Challenge original 10k route that includes a boatload of climb but an awesome view from the course. Meet at 7:30 a.m. at the north end of the Hessian Lake Parking Lot, near the ice rink. Anyone looking to ride share can meet at the Woods Bridge commuter lot in Katonah at 6:50 a.m. Check out the map page here ››
This Sunday, December 6, at 8:00 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 of the perimeter loop there. For those that are racing the Taconic Relay, we’ll do an easy out-and-back as a warm-up then head over to Blue Mountain at 9:00. Those that want to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. 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 ››
TACONIC ROAD RUNNERS XC RELAY
Sunday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m.
The Taconic Road Runners are having a cross country relay event and the Leatherman Harriers have been challenged. The event takes place in Blue Mountain Reserve (see map). Each women’s, men’s, or mixed team consists of 3 runners and the cost per runner is $10. Each runner races the same 3+ mile course and it is possible for one person to register as an entire team if you want. Both men and women run three person teams. Awards for male and female teams in the following categories: High School, Open, and Master. Mixed teams are allowed but are scored with the men’s teams. The race starts from the lodge at blue mountain (see map). They’ll be a pancake breakfast after the race, and showers are available at the lodge. Questions? Skip Hovdestad is the race director. Send him an email.You can preregister for the event online and we’ll form teams the morning of the race. If you want to form your own team, you can, otherwise we’ll pick names from a hat before the race.
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EXCITING HARRIER NEWS:
Eamonn Sullivan, our youngest regular Sunday Runner, qualified for the 3rd year in a row for the Junior Nationals Cross Country competition.Congratulations to Eamonn on this exceptional accomplishment.This year the national meet is in Albuquerque, NM on December 12th. New Mexico is a long way away. Gerry is taking Eamonn — but as you might guess, this trip can be very expensive. In addition to missing work, expenses include paying for both airfares, several days of hotel bookings, and meals while traveling. Gerry has never asked for help — but in the past few years we have passed the hat at our Sunday Runs holiday party. All of you runners have been generous with support. Unfortunately, we won’t be having the holiday party until after the new year comes. So this year we are going to pass the hat at the next few group runs then pass everything on to Gerry before he and Eamonn make the trek west. Thanks to everyone.
