August 23, Bennett’s Pond, Ridgefield, CT

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This Sunday, August 23, at 8:00 a.m., meet at a new location on the Ridgefield/Danbury border—Bennett’s Pond—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 Sunday map here ››

Anyone looking to run on Saturday, August 22, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Graham Hills Park in Mount Pleasant, NY (see Google map), for a 5-ish mile loop on trails that wind through many diverse habitats in this 431-acre park. Trails are mostly single track and are shared with mountain bikers. Bring your own map and have fun. See the Saturday map here ››

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

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 16, Kimberly Bridge

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This Sunday, August 16, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Kimberly Bridge Lot to run a new course—a double-loop on DH, Brown and Blue. This 8.3 mile course will take us first on the northern trails then as far south as Raven Rocks. In between, we’ll return to Kimberly Bridge and hopefully pick up a few additional runners here to celebrate George Grenier’s 50th birthday. There are options to shorten the run as well if you’re not up for the full 8-mile loop. After the run, stick around for a celebratory picnic. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the Sunday map here ››

Anyone looking to run on Saturday, August 15, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at The Lucius Pond Ordway/Devil’s Den Preserve, the largest tract of protected land in Fairfield County. Its patchwork of woodlands, wetlands and rock ledges and a series of north-south ridges and valleys woven with streams and swamps make the Devil’s Den ideal for running. 3 Pent Rd, Weston, CT.  See the Saturday map here ››

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

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 9, Lewisboro Town Park

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This Sunday, August 9, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Lewisboro Town Park Upper Parking Lot to run a perennial favorite—The Fat-Ass 7mile Loop. This course starts up the hill behind the town park and passes the Trailside Museum, Michigan Road, and returns via Schoolhouse Road and the brown trail. Those looking to make the run even longer can make a larger loop on Yellow and/or Green. Anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the Sunday map here ››

Anyone looking to run on Saturday, August 8, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Butler Preserve in Mt. Kisco and run the Butler Double Loop course. See the Saturday map here ››

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

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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August 2, Trailside Museum

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This Sunday, August 2, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Trailside Museum when we run the Trailside, Raven, to Tower loop. You have choices of a 6 mile loop, a 9 mile loop, and anything in between depending on what you want to run. And anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

Anyone looking to run on Saturday, August 1, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow lot and run the Fire Tower Summit Run. See the map here ››

NIGHT RUN

Join us on Friday, July 31, at 8:00 p.m. at Hemlock North Campsite (NEW LOCATION) in Mountain Lakes Park (201 Hawley Road, North Salem) when we run our first night run in the park—the Hemlock Loop. Arrive at 8:00 p.m., drive into the park to Hemlock Drive and turn left (where the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack starts). Park at the beach area or at the Hemlock dining hall area if necessary and walk to Hemlock North campsite. Bring a headlamp or flashlight, some snacks, something to rehydrate afterwards, and probably a chair to sit back and relax in. This is a 5.25 mile loop which can be shortened to 2.5 miles if you want. The main course will be marked so you should be able to find your way. See the map here ››

Hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 26, Mountain Lakes Park

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This Sunday, July 26, 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 to make it even more of a challenge. Make sure you take the Orange trail path on your right before you enter Camp Morty and the Yurt Village. Camp is in session so avoid that area. If you’re going to join us for Friday’s night run, the course will be the same with the exception of starting at Larch. And And anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. I won’t be there this Sunday so BRING YOUR OWN MAPS please. See the map here ››

I know a lot of people are running Escarpment this weekend but on Saturday, July 25, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Butler Sanctuary and run the double loop 5-mile course. See the map here ››

And Join us on Friday, July 31, at 8:00 p.m. at Larch Campsite in Mountain Lakes Park when we run our first night run in the park. Look for complete instructions on the site. See the map here ››

Good luck to all of the racers this weekend. We’ll see you next week.

Lee Willett

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July 19, Meadow Parking Lot

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This Sunday, July 19, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow parking lot when we run the Meadow to Overlook loop. The six-mile loop will take you to the Trailside Museum, past the wigwam to Michigan Road and then return via Shoolhouse Road. The climb to the Overlook at mile four is tough but the view is well worth it. For those looking for a longer run, follow the dotted line to Kimberly Bridge and up Blue for a total of 8 miles (I know that puts two of the steepest climbs on the same run but I’m game if you are). And anyone interested in getting an early start can arrive at 7:00 a.m. See the map here ››

On Saturday, July 18, at 8:00 a.m., meet at Lewisboro Town Park upper lot and run the Town to Orange 6.3-mile loop. We’ll be doing this on a future Sunday so check out the course in advance. See the map here ››

We’ll be at Mountain Lakes Park next Sunday for a preview of the Sarah Bishop Bushwhack course. Hope to see you out here this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 12, Westmoreland Sanctuary

Butler-Westmoreland
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This Sunday, July 12, 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 to the run for a total of around 8.5. Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 and run the Spruce-Brookside-Veery loop. See the map ››

On Saturday, July 11, we have  a group heading up to run the Escarpment trail. This is a very challenging, self-supported run open to experienced runners. If you’re interested, learn more here ››

Hope to see you out here this weekend.

Lee Willett

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July 5, Michigan Road

Trail Running Map of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Westchester, New York. 6.5 Mile Rock Trail Loop
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This Sunday, July 5, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Michigan Road lot and run the Rock Trail 6.5 mile loop. This course starts out easy enough with the Red/Yellow trail while you make your way to Raven Rocks. From there, proceed on the Rock Trail (RT) past Castle Rock, the aptly-named Stairs, Spy Rock, Bear Rock, Dancing Rock, and lots and lots of other rocks along the way. Lots of elevation changes on this course so you’re going to have a great run. See the map ››

Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. which should give you enough time to run to the Meadow, through the field to Schoolhouse Road, and return to Michigan Road in time for the 8:00 start. But bring a map, I don’t think I’ll make the early run this week.

And anyone looking to run Saturday, July 4, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Westmoreland Sanctuary and run the 5.25 mile perimeter loop. If you want a longer run, cross the street to Butler and run some of the trails there.

And if you REALLY want to start your weekend off early, join us on Friday, July 3, at 8:00 a.m. at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Meadow Lot and run the Meadow to Overlook 6.3 mile loop. This is a perennial favorite to start the weekend.

Hope to see you out here this weekend.

Lee Willett

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June 28, Meadow Parking Lot

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click for map page
Don't forget to wear a bib!
Don’t forget to wear a bib!

This Sunday, June 28, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking lot to run the Leatherman’s Loop course in our first ever Summer Loopstice. A couple of our runners registered for the Loop but were unable to run at the time so they’re going to be running with their bibs. To make them feel at home, I suggest that everyone grab a bib—from the Loop, from another race, or from something else—and come out and run. Those wanting to stay dry can skip the water crossings but not the Mud Flats so bring a change of shoes. See the map ››

Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the a loop to Michagan Road and return via Schoolhouse Road.

And anyone looking to run Saturday, June 27, at 8:00 a.m. can run at Rockefeller State Park in Pleasantville, NY. Meet at the Sleepy Hollow High School (210 N. Broadway, Tarrytown, NY) at 8:00 a.m. and be ready to run some of the least technical trails around. I don’t have a course set for this but you can download a map here and plan to run until 9:30 before returning to the cars. Getting coffee might be a good idea afterwards as well.

And if you REALLY want to start your weekend off early, join us on Friday, June 26, at 3:45 p.m. at Butler Sanctuary.

Hope to see you out here this weekend.

Lee Willett

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Special Scott Jurek Update

Eric and Karen with Scott Jurek
Eric and Karen with Scott Jurek

Congratulations to Karen, Eric, Matt, and Chris for tracking down Scott Jurek on different portions of the Appalachian Trail on his historic run to set a new course record. I’ve seen a few of the photos and it looks like you all had a great time and I’m sure he appreciated your company. We’ll continue to monitor his progress and if anyone wants to plan a road trip to Maine, maybe we can catch him again.

 

June 21, Meadow Parking Lot

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click for map page

rainorshineThis Sunday, June 21, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Meadow Parking lot to run a truly epic run—Eleanor’s Escape. Start at the Meadow and follow FH and BR to Kimberly Bridge then take Blue around the mountain to Raven Rocks and the Southwestern trails in the park. The full loop is 8.4 miles but you have several options to make the run shorter. Since this is Father’s day, let’s see if we can get a lot of the dads on the trail this Sunday. See the map ››

Those looking to start early can arrive at 7:00 a.m. which should give us enough time to run the a loop of the northern trails.

And anyone looking to run Saturday, June 20, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Blue Mountain Reservation (1 Depew Court) and run the Depew Court Loop.

And if you REALLY want to start your weekend off early, join us on Friday, June 19, at 3:45 p.m. when we run the 5.25 Mile Westmoreland Perimeter Loop.

Check out the Minnewaska State Park Solstice Run on Wednesday, June 24. Carpool options are available. See the calendar event for details.

Next week we’ll be back at the Meadow Parking Lot again to run the Summer Loopstice! Leatherman’s Loop course. Summer Solstice. What could be better?

Lee Willett

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June 14, Zofnass Family Preserve

zofnass_preserve
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This Sunday, June 14, 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 if you want to add a few miles after the run, we can head over to Mianus River Gorge for 4.5 more miles.

And anyone looking to run Saturday, June 13, at 8:00 a.m. can meet at Ward Pound Ridge Meadow parking lot and run Eleanor’s Escape. We’ll be running that course on Sunday, June 21.

Lee Willett

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June 7, Butler Sanctuary

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click for map page

This Sunday, June 7, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Nature Conservancy Butler Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road in Mt. Kisco (see in Google maps) when we run a new combination of trails covering most of the park. Since Butler is a relatively small preserve, we’ll be running most of the trails there to get close to 5 miles. Don’t worry, you’ll still get a workout since the terrain has a lot of ups and downs. Meet in the Butler parking lot. See the map here ››
Looking to start early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a pre-run loop.

Saturday, June 6, 8:00 a.m.
For anyone looking for a Saturday run, meet in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at the Michigan Road parking lot and run the Michigan to Kimberly 6 mile loop.

I hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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May 31, Michigan Road Lot

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click for map page

This Sunday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m., meet at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation Michigan Road parking lot when we run the Sights and Heights Loop. On this 7.5 mile route, you’ll see two great sights—from the Overlook to the west and Raven Rocks to the south—then it’s up to the heights—the fire tower and highest point in the park. If you’re not up for the full 7.5 miles, then see the sights and head back to the parking lot via the red trail for an abbreviated run. See the map here ››
Looking to start early? Arrive at 7:00 a.m. for a pre-run loop.

Saturday, May 31, 8:00 a.m.
For anyone looking for a Saturday run, you have a couple options. Meet in the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation at the Meadow parking lot and run the Meadow Northern Loop or meet at the Depew Court Pool parking lot (1 Depew Ct. at Bay St, Peekskill, NY 10566) and run the Blue Mountain Reservation Depew Court Loop.

I hope to see you out there this weekend.

Lee Willett

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