November 29, Michigan Road Lot

click for map page
click for map page

This Sunday, November 29, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road lot when we run a course devised by Eleanor Heppner Hershey and aptly named Eleanor’s Escape. This route combines the best of the Yellow, Red, Blue, and Green trails and includes wide-open paths and single-track hills. Optional photo op at Raven Rocks before heading back by way of Red and Green. I know you’re going to love this one. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for some bonus miles. See Eleanor’s Escape map here ››

Friday, November 27, 8:30 a.m. Anyone interested in a post-Thanksgiving run can meet at Mianus River Gorge at 8:30 a.m. for a 5-mile out-and-back run. Since the Gorge will be closing November 30, this will be the last chance to run there this year.

Saturday, November 28, 8:00 a.m. Meet at the parking lot of Leon Levy Preserve in South Salem—just south of Rt. 35 on Rt. 123—and be prepared to run a 5.25 mile course that winds through most of the trails in the preserve. Sure, the map is hard to follow but the trails are marked so what’s the worst that can happen, right? See the map here ››

LEE_4704-2994x4485EXCITING 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.

 

Next week we’ll be off the reservation at Sylvan Glen with the option of creating a team to take on the Taconic Road Runners in their Cross Country Relay. Gerry, Eamonn, Todd, Virgil, Keith, Tom, Joe…anyone interested in forming a winning three-person Leatherman Harriers team?

Lee Willett

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Finally, thanks all for coming out last week and making the Leonard Park run such a success.
Hope to see you this weekend.
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November 22, Leonard Park

Leonard_to_Butler
7.7 Miles
Leonard_to_Butler
10 Miles
Leonard_to_Butler
13.1 Miles

This Sunday, November 22, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the gazebo at Leonard Park in Mt. Kisco (see map) when we tackle some different trails. We’ll start in Leonard park, go through Marsh Sanctuary, Merestead, Butler Sanctuary, and for the truly intrepid, Westmoreland Sanctuary. Runners will have a choice of various distances.
5 Mile Run: Take the course through Marsh and Merestead to the Butler loop.
7.7 Mile Run: Follow the Butler loop for a total of 7.7 miles.
10 Mile Run: Cross the road to Westmoreland Sanctuary for a short loop.
13.1 Mile Run (approx): Anyone interested in going farther can try the Leonard Park to Westmoreland Greenbelt Half Marathon which adds the perimeter course of Westmoreland.

Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 for a few extra miles.

Saturday, November 21, 8:00 a.m. Meet at Trout Brook Valley Trails, Bradley Road Parking Lot, Weston, CT, for an 8 to 10 mile run in the 1000+ acre park of hiking trails. Learn more››  |   See the map of the preserve here.

Thursday, November 26, 9:00 a.m. Planning on doing some carbo loading this Thanksgiving? Then work up an appetite with a 5-mile run through Westmoreland Sanctuary on Thanksgiving morning. Meet at 9:00 a.m. when we run the Westmoreland Perimeter Loop.

Friday, November 27, 8:30 a.m. Anyone interested in a post-Thanksgiving run can meet at Mianus River Gorge at 8:30 a.m. for a 5-mile out-and-back run. Since the Gorge will be closing November 30, this will be the last chance to run there this year.

Hope to see you this weekend.

Lee Willett

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November 15, Raven Rocks Run

click for map page

This Sunday, November 15, at 9:00 a.m., be ready for the inaugural Raven Rocks Run—10(ish) kilometers of challenging trails in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation full of great views, rocky climbs, ridgeline paths, meadows, ravines and the site of the former fire tower. Arrive at the meadow parking lot by 8:15 a.m. and visit RavenRocksRun.org for answers to any last-minute questions. See the map here ››

Next week we’ll be off the reservation at Leonard Park in Mt. Kisco for the multi-park run of up to 13 miles. Tony and I need to make sure the path is clear so this is subject to change. We’re also working on a night run soon so keep your Friday nights clear.

Hope to see you this weekend.

Lee Willett

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November 8, Mountain Lakes Park

click for map page

This Sunday, November 8, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the trailhead to Lookout Point in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North, Salem, NY) when we run the 5.5 mile perimeter loop. Start up the path to Lookout Point and follow the course over Bailey Mountain and the OS trail. Add an optional 1-mile loop at Hunt Lane and/or 1.5 miles for the Herst-Mead and Halmi Preserves for up to 8 fun miles. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. to get a few miles in. See the map here ››

Next week we’ll be back at the Reservation for the Raven Rocks Run—the last Trail Mix Series race of the season. I look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Register for the race here: Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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November 1, Meadow Parking Lot

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This Sunday, November 1, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot when we run a course check of the Raven Rocks Run. This will be our only course check so if you’re planning on running the November 15 race, this will be your chance to check out the course which includes the new CB trail. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a few extra miles but remember to set your clocks back Saturday night. See the map here ››

And anyone interested in a Saturday run, I can’t think of a more appropriate place for a Halloween run than at Devil’s Den. Saturday, October 31, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Devil’s Den parking lot, 3 Pent Road, Weston, CT, and run a 6.4 mile perimeter loop including the Ambler Gorge loop, but bring your own maps because no one wants to get lost in Devil’s Den on Halloween. See the map here ››

I look forward to seeing you this weekend

Register for the race here:
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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October 25, Muscoot Farm

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Sunday, October 25
This Sunday, October 26, 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.

I look forward to seeing you at the farm.

Register for the runs here:
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 25
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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October 18, Lewisboro Town Park

click for map page

This Sunday, October 18, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Lot when we run a new course that includes a new 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 for a short loop. Temperatures look like they’re going to be chilly so break out the warmer gear for this one.
Download a PDF map of the course ››

Next week we’ll be back at Muscoot for Run The Farm. You won’t want to miss that.
Run The Farm, Sunday, October 25
Raven Rocks Run, Sunday, November 15

Lee Willett

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October 11, Muscoot Farm

click for map page

Run the Farm Course Check Sunday, October 11, 8:00 a.m.
This Sunday, October 11, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Muscoot Farm parking lot (http://goo.gl/maps/dTDiT) for our ONLY 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 out and test the trail before race day. Just remember, please keep clear of the main farm and farm equipment, and park on the side of the lot away from the farm. Note that the gate won’t be open for a 7:00 run this week, sorry.

I won’t be able to join you on Sunday so you should download a map of the five-mile course here.

Next week we’ll be back in the Reservation for something new. 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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October 4, Sylvan Glen / Granite Knolls

click for map page

This Sunday, October 4, at 8:00 a.m., the reservation will be hosting its annual Hunter Pace equestrian event so we’ll meet at a new location for the group—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. 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 ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend 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 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 13, Mountain Lakes Park

MLP_SBB_2014
map at SarahBishop.org

This Sunday, September 13, at 8:00 a.m, meet at Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem (201 Hawley Road) when we do a course check of the 2015 Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. This is the final course check this year so if you want to check out the course with the group, this is your last chance chance. Meet at the pool parking lot (gravel road opposite the Hemlock Lake Beach) where race day parking is and get ready to run this 10K-ish loop with a few twists and turns. Those that want to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up. See the map ››

Saturday, September 12, 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, Keith Realander will be leading a group of runners on the Pavement Ends course in preparation for the September 20 race. Meet at 10 Shore Drive, Ridgefield, CT at 7:45 for an 8:00 start and stick with the 4-mile course or take a longer, scenic route to Bennett’s Pond (see the course here).

Also on Saturday at 8:00 a.m.—Katonah 5K Road and Trail Race. Race day registration and festivities will begin at 7:00 a.m. on Parkway and Woodsbridge ($40-5K, $35- Kid’s 1M).

And if those aren’t enough choices for Saturday at 8:00 a.m., you can meet at Ward Pound Ridge and run the Meadow to Overlook 6.3 mile loop—always a favorite.

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 6, Meadow Lot

Click for map page

This Sunday, September 6, at 8:00 a.m, meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow lot when we run the Meadow to Blue Route. This 6.8 mile course starts up the hill to Michigan Road then winds its way past Raven Rocks around the Blue trail to Kimberly Bridge and back via Br and FH trails. While the first half of the run has some hills, the last half is flat—and fast. Options for a 5-mile loop are marked on the map as well. Those that want to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up. See the map ››

Saturday, September 5, 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, Keith Realander will be leading a group of runners on the Pavement Ends course in preparation for the September 20 race. Meet at 10 Shore Drive, Ridgefield, CT at 7:45 for an 8:00 start and stick with the 4-mile course or take a longer, scenic route to Bennett’s Pond (see the course here).

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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August 30, Mountain Lakes Park

MLP_SBB_2014
map at SarahBishop.org

This Sunday, August 30, at 8:00 a.m, meet at Mountain Lakes Park in North Salem (201 Hawley Road) when we do a course check of the 2015 Sarah Bishop Bushwhack. This is the first of two course checks this year so if you want to check out the course with the group, this is a great chance. Meet at the pool parking lot where race day parking is and get ready to run this 10K-ish loop with a few twists and turns. Those that want to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a warm-up. See the map ››

Saturday, August 29, 8:00 a.m. For those who want to run on Saturday, I suggest revisiting last Sunday’s run at Bennett’s Pond (580 Bennett’s Farm Road, Ridgefield, CT). Follow the full course or explore some of the trails we didn’t follow including some of the trails from The Pavement Ends race (see the course here).

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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