“Beauty below me, as I run. Beauty above me, as I run. Beauty beside me, as I run. Beauty within me, as I run. I see Beauty all around and Beauty may we walk, and Beauty may we see, and Beauty may we all be!”
– Leatherman’s Loop blessing
The morning on April 24th started with 6:30am Coffee and Doughnuts on Flatbush Ave – a healthy trail run breakfast! The weather was kind, giving us just the kind of crisp spring morning to bless a trail race. Perked from the sugar and caffeine, #CHRCTrail Runners climbed into a van and had a smooth drive up to the site of the 30th Annual Leatherman’s Loop near Katonah, New York.
The Leatherman’s Loop has a history that has carried through the years, unlike most races – many of its traditions have some place and purpose that continue today. These include the presence of a Tepee, the location of the run, the invocation of the mystery and spirit of the trails we tread on.
Of course, there’s also the Legend of the Leatherman that is a piece of Westchester County Folklore, and his actual wandering Loop of over 300 miles. He was known to eat whole loaves of bread in one sitting and having a love a coffee… sounds like an endurance athlete.
With its action-packed scenery (Kimberly bridge, The Pit, The Wall, Mud Flats, Switchback and The Splash, to name a few), the music (yodeling to mariachi bands to bagpipers), and characters (the Leatherman is only one among many), this race was like a journey through a movie. The finish was a satisfying chute that ended with cheers, smiles, orange slices and bagels.
#CHRCTrails brought it full on with impressive finishes and muddied shoes. We will be sure to come back next year!