The Leatherman's Loop 10k Trail Run is usually scheduled for the fourth Sunday in April each year.
If you want to get in touch or get on our email notification list click here.
Logistics
Directions, Loop Map, and information about Race Day specifics like where to park, what to wear, whether or not you can bring dogs (yes, but please keep them leashed and no dogs in picnic areas!).
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Loop Day is Here! Wet n wild…
See you at the Park - The Loop Volunteers and the Leatherman Harriers are already at the park right now (5:30am) setting up. Some of them even spent the night!
If you missed the logistics email and are looking for directions or guidance, check this article. It has lots of useful information and some links.
We’re looking forward to seeing you all there bright and early. Let’s make this a day to remember!
Time to get wet and muddy…
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Tomorrow!
Leatherman’s Loop News Volume 24 issue 8: See You Tomorrow!
To All Runners:
The course is flagged and ready to go… We hope you are too! It was fairly dry during course marking but it looks like that will change overnight.
The gate attendant at the park will be waving loop participants through - no $8 park entry fee - we included the parking fee in your race registration.
Arrive early - drive carefully. We would like to begin as close to 9am as possible. Plan on having your bibs and heading right to the starting line at 8:45 am. We will have a few pre-race announcements, take a few minutes to introduce a few special guests, then the 24th running of the Leatherman’s Loop will commence.
For detailed logistics information about the Loop, check this article.
In the spirit of Earth Day this past week, if you can bring your own safety pins to the Loop that can make a small contribution to making your event more green. We will have plenty of safety pins if you forget! Also at the end of the Loop we will have boxes to recycle bibs and safety pins if you don’t want to keep them. Tyvek can be recycled into jackets and furniture.
To help us with the race scoring, please make certain that your race number bib is exposed before you enter the finishing chute and do not pin the tear-strip at the bottom of the bib to your shirt. If you wish at the beginning of the race, you can wear an extra layer over the shirt your number is pinned to which you can discard as you run by the teepee. It will be there for you when you finish.
Please, please, please exercise caution and common sense at both of the stream crossings. Ease into each crossing slowly and do not enter them full stride. Pick your footing slowly and cautiously as you cross and use extra caution when exiting. The exit of the first stream crossing was slippery today and will most likely be tomorrow. Help the runner in front and the one behind if possible. Also keep mostly towards the center of the mud flats - the sides have buckthorn!
Bring a full set of warm dry clothes (including socks and shoes) to change in to after you finish. You will get wet! We will have water, coffee, bagels, and fruit at the finish—but its always a good idea to have your own water on race day.
Don’t forget your food donation to the Community Center of Northern Westchester - “Help Feed the Leatherman!” Look for the van with the banner! It will be near the bib pickup area. Check here for latest needs.
Maps and directions are on the website here.
Full race finishing results will be posted to the web site http://www.leathermansloop.org by 5pm after the race.
If you see the Leatherman on the trails, let out a HOWL!
See you bright and early tomorrow!
Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, Bill, and the Loop Volunteers
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Looking Good for Sunday…
Leathermans Loop News Volume 24, Issue 7: Looking Good For Sunday
Hello Again!
There are directions, a road map, and ‘points of interest’ map of the parking/starting area on the website here:
Directions and Maps
Loop map with key features
If anyone will be taking photos either as a runner or a member of the crowd please get in touch and don’t forget to send your photos after the Loop! We are also interested in group photos from the Loop.
It’s looking good for Sunday! Current forecast calls for 70% chance of rain. The course is relatively dry now but we expect the rain to soften things up a bit.
Look for one more email Saturday with final notes and inspiration.
-Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, Bill, and the Loop Volunteers
http://www.leathermansloop.org
Sunday, April 18, 2010
One Week To Go!
Leatherman’s Loop News, Volume 24, Issue 6: One Week to Go!
All Registered Loop Runners:
Seven days and counting…
Here’s a handy bunch of maps and directions that should help you get on your way to the Loop.
Bib pickup will begin at 7AM on the day of the Loop. Bibs are kept in alphabetical order by last name. If you ordered a t-shirt it will be noted on your bib label and you can get the shirt at the same time you pick up your bib.
Dogs are welcome at the Park but you must obey the Park’s leash law at all times (not just during the Loop). There will be many other dogs around—not to mention the wildlife at the park and other guests. Even the best behaved and trained dogs can be unpredictable in crowds and near wildlife. If you plan to run with your dog please stay back at the start to minimize potential problems with the large crowd. Please keep your dog leashed!
To help those runners interested in CAR POOLING to the Loop, we have set up a discussion board forum that will help you find other runners in your area that may be offering or needing a ride. Thanks to runner Noah Pearce for the great suggestion!
If you are planning to “Help Feed The Leatherman” please bring your food pantry donation to the Loop on April 25th. Your generous donation will go to the Community Center of Northern Westchester and will directly benefit families in need.
A reminder from the Pound Ridge Reservation park management: On Sunday PLEASE respect the park speed limit of 15 MPH while driving on the park roads. Take special care driving the roadway into the park and to the parking meadow. It is going to be tight parking and we’d like to pack ‘em in!
Plan to arrive early... The Loop starts at 9am. Plan to be at the park before 8:30am to get your bibs (and t-shirts if ordered). Remember - there is no same day registration.
There will be volunteers directing the parking and guiding cars to park efficiently. Please follow their directions.
The course looks good after some bushwhacking by a crack team of Leatherman Harriers volunteers yesterday. Never fear—there are still some nice obstacles and ‘special trail surprises’ to keep you all on your toes. The 7 day forecast calls for rain on Sunday. The Loop goes off rain or shine.
Have a safe trip—CAR POOL if you can! Park & Ride from Katonah train station lot on Woodbridge Road or John Jay High School on Route 121.
If you missed the earlier detailed instructions and logistics email, click here to read it on the website. If you want to make sure you are registered check here: Searchable list of registered runners. Any questions about this list please contact us.
Look for two more brief updates before the Loop… See you on the 25th!
-Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, and the rest of the Volunteers
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Two Weeks To Go…
[note: this email was accidentally sent to some folks who are NOT registered. Our apologies—there are no additional spots available this year. See bottom of this post for link to a list of registered runners.]
Leatherman’s Loop News, Volume 24, Issue 5: Two Weeks Until Loop
To: All Who are Registered for the 2010 Leatherman’s Loop:
Spring is here… The trails are soggy… the peepers are out… leaves are budding… the woods beckon… It must be time for the Leatherman’s Loop!
Welcome to the 24th running of the Leatherman’s Loop Trail Race on April 25th, 2010!
Race director Mike Paletta and the reliable Leatherman’s Loop volunteers have been working since last year to set up this year’s event. Tony Godino says we are nearly ready to go for this year’s Loop. All we need is YOU!
Below are some important instructions regarding this year’s race. Registration is at the highest level ever so we will need to work together to ensure that loop day goes smoothly. The park staff and our volunteers will all be working to kick this event off and leave great memories for each of you.
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 8:30. Car pool if you can. Check our new CAR POOL forum to offer or request a ride. Traffic can back up considerably at the park entrance as race time approaches. Please be patient. The regular $8 parking fee is now part of the loop entry fee so entry should go more quickly. We changed this in 2008 and all reports were that it made for a much more efficient entry for everyone. 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! Did we say car pool? Remember, April is Earth Month! John Jay High School and Middle School are just 3 minutes from the entrance to the Rez (up 121 north) and should have plenty of spots open Sunday morning. There is also the Katonah Train Station lot (which is free on weekends) just off 684 Exit 6 (Route 35) on Woodsbridge Road. Plan ahead—consolidate 2 cars into one if you can.
3) BRING A FULL CHANGE OF CLOTHING! After 23 years we have never seen a runner emerge dry and clean from the woods. You will get wet and you will get muddy. Where and how you change is up to you. Towels are a must.
4) LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO PRE-LOOP ANNOUNCEMENTS! We only get to see you guys once a year and need a few minutes before the start. Race Director Mike Paletta will have important information about the course and safety. Danny Martin will give a brief poem/blessing to set the tone. We will have a special guest in addition to Caballo Blanco who is our official Loop starter this year. Also, you will be instructed about the hazards related to the stream crossings and current water conditions. Hidden boulders and slippery ledges lurk under the surface of the water. Slow down and DON’T DIVE into the water under any circumstances. As a courtesy to those further away from the speakers we ask that you remain quiet for the sake of your fellow racers who may have never heard the instructions.
5) LISTEN FOR THE START! In the past we’ve used a starter’s pistol, a major league pitcher, and an air horn… You never know what sound will launch the runners—so keep those ears bent and listening.
6) IF YOU SEE MUD, RUN THROUGH IT! Especially at the entrance to the woods immediately after the start. If you stop—or simply hesitate—the people behind you may crash into you... trust us. There’s no avoiding the mud so simply embrace it, get dirty, and get going.
7) WATCH FOR THE LEATHERMAN! Remember that this event celebrates the life of the Leatherman. Learn his story and by all means make some noise if he is out and about on Sunday.
8) STAY ON COURSE IF YOU CAN’T CONTINUE! There will be four “sweeps” running the course following the slower runners. If for any reason you can’t continue, wait for them to get to you to assess your needs. The park is nearly 5,000 acres so don’t leave the course unless you know exactly where you are going.
9) THERE IS NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION! We simply do not have room for any more registrations. Please understand the position we are put in when we have to refuse someone entry. If someone is interested in next year’s loop, there is a form at the website to submit name and email address. If you are signed up for this year’s Loop you are already on this email list.
10) BRING FOOD DONATIONS! Don’t forget donations for the second Feed the Leatherman Food Drive. Bring your non-perishable donations to the Loop and we will have a drop off point near the registration trailer. Your generosity will benefit the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Thanks to David Ceisler for spearheading the drive for a second year.
11) LEARN ABOUT THE LEATHERMAN! Author Dan DeLuca will be on hand during the Loop. He will have copies of his new book on The Old Leather Man available for purchase and signing. A portion of the proceeds of the book sales will go to fund a project that aims to reinter the Old Leatherman in a proper gravesite and a corrected headstone.
12) LEARN ABOUT THE TRAILS IN WESTCHESTER and beyond: Jane and Walt Daniels, authors of Walkable Westchester, will have information and copies of their local trail masterpiece available for purchase. They also have information about the New York New Jersey Trail Conference and becoming a member of that organization. The trail conference website is chock full of trail information in the NY and NJ area.
13) RESULTS: Printed lists of finishers with time and place will be available soon after the finish at the bib pickup area and shortly after that on the Loop website. Check it out at http://www.leathermansloop.org.
14) THANK A VOLUNTEER! A tremendous amount of volunteer effort goes into making the Loop a special event each year. T-shirt designers, registration volunteers, pie buyers, course setters, bib stickers, box lifters, water servers, food preparers, coffee brewers, parking coordinators, and the clean-up crew—not to mention the Pound Ridge and Lewisboro Police and the fantastic and dedicated members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps!
Due to the largest ever running field expected for the 24th Loop, we must ask some runners to voluntarily hold back a few minutes at the start of the Loop. There is a potential for a larger than normal bottleneck at the entrance to the woods approximately 300 yards from the starting line and in the early trails. If you conserve energy at the start you will have more left in the tank for the second half of the Loop when the trails are wider, the crowd is thinner, and passing is sweet! This is a one time expansion of the running field and we will drop back to the normal runner cap for next year.
This event is truly a group effort and tribute to the spirit of the community. Your notes of support and encouragement feed the goodwill and energize the volunteers who organize and pull off this one of a kind event. We are grateful that we have such a wonderful group of Loop enthusiasts and are thankful that we have the thousands of acres of parkland at the Rez to enjoy!
Remember, leave only (muddy) footprints, take only pictures…
Expect more news as the event nears…. See you in 2 weeks!
Good luck and have fun,
Mike, Kate, Tony, and Rob
PS: Map and Directions to the Reservation
A runners overview of the Leatherman’s Loop trail
Searchable list of registered runners
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Loop Carpool Forum
If you are looking for or offering a ride to the Loop check the Carpool Forum here: http://www.leathermansloop.org/index.php/forums/viewforum/6/
There is currently a request for a ride from the Katonah Train Station from a NYC runner and an offer for a ride from Old Greenwich.
Post your ride offer or need on the carpool forum - hope we can help keep some cars off the road!
Friday, February 05, 2010
Registration Finished - On To Carpooling!
Registration is Closed. We have a long waiting list. Click the link at the bottom of this note or the top of the website to get your name added to the waiting list via the contact form. Chances are “slim to none” for entry off the list this year but we will put your email on our notification list for next year.
It has taken over a month but we have gone through and contacted runners we are aware of who tried on 1/1/2010 and were unable to register for technical reasons. We were not able to accommodate everyone but we did fit in a lot more people than we could have originally hoped due to the Pound Ridge Reservation’s willingness to work with us and expand the running field. Absent that, a lot more people would have been disappointed and unable to run this year. This was a massive undertaking as we fielded in excess of 1,200 individual emails and sent almost as many responses. Needless to say, this was not part of our registration plan for the Loop!
If you did not make it in this year we are sorry—but we can point you to many other fantastic trail races nearly every weekend in the tri-state area.
CARPOOLING—which we think is the most fun way to attend the Loop anyway—will be even more important this year. PLEASE try to come with more than one runner in your car! We realize it may be hard for some folks to do this but if you can it will help in so many ways. Last year we had a late effort at coordinating carpools that we think got a few people matched up.
This year you can visit the official Loop carpool forum: http://www.leathermansloop.org/index.php/forums/viewforum/6/ to offer or request a ride. You need to be registered as a leathermansloop.org website member (which is very easy to do) in order to post an offer or request. Hope we can put some folks together!
Other Miscellaneous Items:
If you would like to order a t-shirt, click here: http://www.allsportcentral.com/estore/index.cfm?EventID=21703. T-shirts will be available for pickup on the day of the Loop.
If you want to check your registration status, click here: http://www.allsportcentral.com/ec/events/entrants.cfm?EventID=21703 and search for your name.
If you have any questions, please contact us using the website form. We appreciate your help and patience!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Contact Form
If you want to get in touch click here to join the 2010 notification list.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
See You Tomorrow!
Leatherman’s Loop News Volume 23 issue 9: See You Tomorrow!
To All Runners:
The course is flagged and ready to go… We hope you are too!
The gate attendant at the park will be waving loop participants through - no $8 park entry fee. We included the parking fee in your race registration.
Arrive early - drive carefully. We would like to begin as close to 9am as possible due to the extreme warm weather we are experiencing. Plan on having your bibs and heading right to the starting line at 8:45 am. We will have just a few pre-race announcements then the 23rd running of the Leatherman’s Loop will commence.
For detailed logistics information about the Loop, check this article.
To help us with the race scoring, please make certain that your race number bib is exposed before you enter the finishing chute and do not pin the tear-strip at the bottom of the bib to your shirt. If you wish (and if it is not already 80 degrees!) at the beginning of the race, you can wear an extra layer over the shirt your number is pinned to which you can discard as you run by the teepee. It will be there for you when you finish.
Please, please, please exercise caution and common sense at both of the stream crossings. Ease into each crossing slowly and do not enter them full stride. Pick your footing slowly and cautiously as you cross and use extra caution when exiting. The exit of the first stream crossing was slippery today and will most likely be tomorrow. Help the runner in front and the one behind if possible.
Bring a full set of warm dry clothes (including socks and shoes) to change in to after you finish. You will get wet!
Don’t forget your food donation to the Community Center of Northern Westchester - “Help Feed the Leatherman!” Look for the van with the banner!
Maps and directions are on the website here.
Full race finishing results will be posted to the web site http://www.leathermansloop.org fairly soon after the race.
If you see the Leatherman on the trails, let out a yell!
See you bright and early tomorrow!
Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, Bill, and the Loop Volunteers
Friday, April 24, 2009
Almost There
Leathermans Loop News Volume 23, Issue 8: Almost There
Hello Again!
There are directions, a road map, and ‘points of interest’ map of the parking/starting area on the website here:
Directions and Maps
Loop map with key features
If anyone will be taking photos either as a runner or a member of the crowd please get in touch and don’t forget to send your photos!
It’s looking good for Sunday! The recent rains revealed the hidden mud that we knew was there. It’s going to be shorts weather this weekend… Are we sure it’s not Memorial Day already?
Look for one more email tomorrow with final notes and inspiration.
-Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, Bill, and the Loop Volunteers
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some frequent questions we get about the Loop day:
( ⇒ click here for full article...)
Posted by leathermansloop on 04/21 at 12:08 AM
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Six Days and Counting
Leatherman’s Loop News, Volume 23, Issue 7: Six Days and Counting
All Registered Loop Runners:
Six days and counting…
We have secured the talents of John Lawrence and The Broken Bones Band to help get your Loop morning off to a rocking start! Other musical talents will be present… Listen for them at the start ...and beyond.
To help those runners interested in CAR POOLING to the Loop, we have set up a discussion board topic that will help you find other runners in your area that may be offering or needing a ride. Thanks to runner Noah Pearce for the great suggestion!
If you are planning to “Help Feed The Leatherman” please bring your food pantry donation to the Loop on April 26th. Your generous donation will go to the Community Center of Northern Westchester and will directly benefit families in need.
A reminder from the Pound Ridge Reservation park management: On Sunday PLEASE respect the park speed limit of 15 MPH while driving on the park roads. Please take special care driving the roadway into the park and to the parking meadow. It is going to be tight parking and we’d like to pack ‘em in!
Plan to arrive early... The Loop starts at 9am. Plan to be at the park by 8:30am to get your bibs (and t-shirts if ordered). Remember - there is no same day registration.
There will be volunteers directing the parking and guiding cars to park efficiently. Please follow their directions.
The course looks good after some bushwhacking by a crack team of Leatherman Harriers volunteers this past saturday. Never fear—there are still some nice obstacles and ‘special trail features’ to keep you all on your toes.
Have a safe trip—CAR POOL if you can! Park & Ride from Katonah train station lot on Woodbridge Road or John Jay High School on Route 121.
See you on the 26th!
-Mike, Tony, Kate, Rob, and the rest of the Volunteers
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Two Weeks Until Loop
Leatherman’s Loop News, Volume 23, Issue 6: Two Weeks Until Loop
To: All Who are Registered for the 2009 Leatherman’s Loop
Spring is here… The birds are nesting… Baby animals are being born… Leaves are appearing… Rivers are cresting… It must be time for the Leatherman’s Loop!
Welcome to the 23rd running of the Leatherman’s Loop Trail Race on April 26th, 2009!
Your race director Mike Paletta and the indomitable Loop volunteers have been working since last year to set up this year’s event. With the guidance of Race Director Emeritus Tony Godino, we are nearly ready to go for this year’s Loop!
We have taken time to put together some important instructions regarding this year’s race. Registration is at a high level so we will need to work together to ensure that loop day goes smoothly. The entire park staff and our volunteers will all be working to make this event go smoothly and leave great memories for each of you.
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 8:30. Car pool if you can! Traffic can back up considerably at the park entrance as race time approaches. Please be patient. The regular $8 parking fee is now part of the loop entry fee so entry should go more quickly. We changed this last year and all reports were that it made for a much more efficient entry for everyone. 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).
2) DRIVE SLOWLY and CAREFULLY in the Park! Watch the volunteers who are directing the parking. PARK TIGHT! Did we say car pool? Remember, April is Earth Month! John Jay High School and Middle School are just 3 minutes from the entrance to the Rez (up 121 north) and should have plenty of spots open Sunday morning! There is also the Katonah Train Station lot (which is free on weekends) just off 684 Exit 6 (Route 35) on Woodsbridge Road. Plan ahead!
3) BRING A FULL CHANGE OF CLOTHING! After 22 years we have yet to see a runner emerge dry and clean from the woods. You will get wet and you will get muddy. Where and how you change is up to you. Towels are a must.
4) LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO PRE-LOOP ANNOUNCEMENTS! We only get to see you guys once a year and need a few minutes before the start. Race Director Mike Paletta will have important information about the course and safety. Danny Martin will give a brief poem/blessing to set the tone. Also, you will be instructed about the hazards related to the stream crossings. Hidden boulders and slippery ledges lurk under the surface of the water. Slow down and DON’T DIVE into the water under any circumstances. As a courtesy to those further away from the speakers we ask that you remain quiet for the sake of your fellow racers who may have never heard the instructions!
5) LISTEN FOR THE START! It may be a starter’s pistol, it could be a duck call, it might be a flyover by the Blue Angels. You never know—so keep those ears bent and listening.
6) WATCH FOR THE LEATHERMAN! Remember that this event celebrates the life of the Leatherman. Learn his story and by all means make some noise if he is out and about on Sunday.
7) STAY ON COURSE IF YOU CAN’T CONTINUE! There will be four “sweeps” running the course following the slower runners. If for any reason you can’t continue, wait for them to get to you to assess your needs. The park is nearly 5,000 acres so don’t leave the course unless you know exactly where you are going.
8) THERE IS NO SAME DAY REGISTRATION! We simply do not have room for any more registrations. Please understand the position we are put in when we have to refuse someone entry. Thanks for your understanding. If someone is interested in next year’s loop, there is a form at the website to submit name and email address. If you are signed up for this year’s Loop you are already on this email list!
9) BRING FOOD DONATIONS! Don’t forget donations for the first Feed the Leatherman Food Drive. Bring your non-perishable donations to the Loop and we will have a drop off point near the registration trailer. Your generosity will benefit the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Thanks to David Ceisler for spearheading the drive!
10) LEARN ABOUT THE LEATHERMAN! Author Dan DeLuca will be on hand during the Loop. He will have copies of his new book on The Old Leather Man available for purchase and signing. A portion of the proceeds of the book sales will go to fund a project that aims to reinter the Old Leatherman in a proper gravesite and a corrected headstone.
11) RESULTS: Printed lists of finishers with time and place will be available soon after the finish on the website. Check it out at http://www.leathermansloop.org.
12) THANK A VOLUNTEER! A tremendous amount of volunteer effort goes into making the Loop a special event each year. T-shirt designers, registration volunteers, pie buyers, course setters, bib stickers, box lifters, water servers, food preparers, coffee brewers, parking coordinators, and the clean-up crew—not to mention the Pound Ridge and Lewisboro Police and the fantastic and dedicated members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps!
This event is truly a group effort and tribute to the spirit of the community. We have received many notes of support and encouragement and we read every one. We are grateful that we have such a wonderful group of Loop enthusiasts and are thankful that we have the thousands of acres of parkland at the Rez to enjoy! Remember, leave only (muddy) footprints, take only pictures!
Expect more news as the event nears…. See you in 2 weeks!
Good luck and have fun,
Mike, Kate, Tony, and Rob
PS: Map and Directions to the Reservation
A runners overview of the Leatherman’s Loop trail
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Leatherman’s Loop Contact Form
( ⇒ click here for full article...)Posted by leathermansloop on 02/04 at 09:38 AM
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Directions: How To Get to The Leatherman’s Loop
The Loop is held at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, NY. The entrance is on Route 121 just south of the intersection of Route 35 and Route 121 South. Click to see map and directions.
See below for Google maps of the parking and course.
( ⇒ click here for full article...)Posted by leathermansloop on 01/28 at 05:55 AM
