Founder’s Newsletter: Reflections on the 2012 Loop

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Leatherman’s Loop Founder’s Newsletter, Volume 3

The Future Looks bright

I feel a need to thank each of you for your contribution to the amazing spirit that was once again present at the Loop. For a brief time, we were all Tarahumara runners enjoying the “beauty all around us.” We “ran free” and Caballo Blanco was with us for every step.

For a comprehensive 2012 race report by Rob Cummings click here. For the Bedford Record Review newspaper article by Don Heppner click here. For the Bedford Katonah Patch article with video by Lisa Buchman click here. And lastly, for a video tribute to Micah True by Flint Bourdeau click here.

Youngest runner Eamonn Sullivan runs with his dad Gerry

Future Stars

Eight year old Eamonn Sullivan was our youngest participant and completed his first Loop in 1:03:29. His dad Gerry, a two time race winner, passed up the opportunity to run with the leaders in order to run next to his boy. “Beauty all around.” Nine year old Stewart Fife finished in 1:02:25 and was our fastest runner under the age of ten.

Ray Viscome crossing Splashdown
Ray Viscome crossing Splashdown with help from friends Rich Izzo and Thomas Bookless

With a Little Help from his friends

Great to have fifty one year old Ray Viscome running with us again this year. He finished in a time of 1:00:32. If I had to pick one photo which reflects the spirit of the Loop it would be this one of Ray and his two buddies crossing the last stream.

Todd Jennings finishes strong
Todd Jennings finishes strong after crossing Splashdown

Hudson Hero

On the morning of May 12th. Todd Jennings will set out from Lake Tear of the Clouds with plans to run the entire length of the Hudson River in eight days. That’s about 40 miles a day more or less. Todd is doing this as a fund raiser for the Clearwater organization. The Leatherman Harriers helped kick off the effort with a $1,000 donation. Click on this link to learn more or to donate if you feel inspired.

New Meadow Oak Planting
New Meadow Oak Planting

Gifts from all directions

This year the Point 6 sock company and the Polar heart rate monitor company had representatives participating and each arrived bearing gifts of product which were passed along to some of the runners. Their generosity is greatly appreciated. Bob Goldblatt (24 loops completed) gifted us a beautiful 6×8 tapestry with each of the first twenty five shirt designs. David Vogel gifted us a new finish line banner and will be directing his own trail race on May 20th… “A Mild Sprain” 4.25 miler.  Click here for specifics and to enter.

The fire tower at Ward Pound Reservation as it looked in the early 1970s. Photo credit: Courtesy of Friends of Trailside Museum

A Beacon in the Rez

The board of directors for Friends of Trailside Museum has plans to re-construct a fire tower on the highest point in the park. They are calling it “The Beacon” and the Harriers are in full support of the project.

We have offered to assist with logistics and volunteers so they can put on their very own trail race at the Rez to kick off the fund raising effort. Anyone interested? Still very early in this project but stay tuned for updates!

To become a member of Friends of Trailside and to learn more about the “Beacon” click here.

Mike Paletta, Micah True (aka Caballo Blanco), and Tony Godino in 2010

The New White Oak Tree

Most of you probably noticed the 30 ft. tall White Oak tree which was recently planted near the trunk of the “Sentinel” Oak. HBO helped to cover the cost with a $2,500 donation. The Leatherman Harriers club donated the same amount and the remaining $2,000 was generously gifted by Nick Ohnell. Mr. Ohnell has completed twenty loops.

Leatherman’s Loop – 25 Years Documentary 2nd Screening

Christy and Dean Leggiero directed and produced a feature documentary of the Leatherman’s Loop over the last year with a focus on the 25th Loop. The first screening attracted an enthusiastic crowd of more than 100 people to the Phelps Hospital Auditorium in Tarrytown NY. We are planning a free second screening in June (date TBD) at the John Jay High School theater in Cross River, NY (not far from Ward Pound Ridge Reservation). Details for that will follow in another email. In the meantime, check out the trailer at the Level 92 Films youtube channel.

Final Thoughts

Caballo Blanco often said that “every run is unique and special and something to be cherished.” Running with all of you this year was certainly special for me and that memory will be cherished.

“Run Free”
…..Tony

Read more about the Loop’s long history here: https://leathermansloop.org/history/

Further reading in the Founder’s Newsletter series, published at uncertain dates with a flexible schedule not known in advance…