Looking north from the highest point on the Western Ridge Trail
RACE DIRECTORS NOTE - 2019 SCORING
Our primary goal with the Great Schunemunk Traverse is to create an enjoyable trail running experience for all who choose to join us. And based on the low-key nature of the event, it should be evident that competition is not our highest priority.
However, we do appreciate that there is a pride in most of us that drives us to do our best, and often to be competitive with those who we run with. And since we do give recognition to top runners in the race, we strive to make sure we have it right.
With that being said, an issue came to our attention this week - it was learned that at least two of our runners in the 20-mile race did not run the proper course. Accordingly, we are applying "penalty time" to those runners, which will change the placement of at least one runner as shown in the UltraSignup results.
The nature of the race is partly predicated on the honesty of runners, and although this is difficult to oversee without a vast number of volunteers, or more checkpoints, we will endeavor to do a better job next year of enabling runners to complete the course properly.
Thanks to all for your support, and we sincerely look forward to seeing you in 2020.
The Event
Join us once again to race on one of the most challenging mountains in the Lower Hudson Valley. At the Great Schunemunk Traverse (fka Assault on Schunemunk), you'll conquer Orange County's tallest peak, a spectacular ridge line that features multiple 1000-ft climbs and descents, waterfalls, colorful and jagged puddingstone rock, pitch pines, boulders, and even a swamp that harbors a water-based ecosystem 1200-ft above the valley floor.
Taking place on part of the New York Long Path, the Great Schunemunk Traverse is a member of the Long Path Races, a series of trail racing events designed to celebrate this famous trail. Here are some great reasons to run the Great Schunemunk Traverse:
• Steep and rugged trails that will challenge even the most experienced runners
• Over 3,500 feet of cumulative gain in the 20-mile race; 1,800+ feet in the 10-mile
• Stunning vistas from all over the ridge line
• Easy access – only 55 miles from NYC
• Festive finish line with great food and drink
Join us in October for this wonderful opportunity to commune with the mountain.
An amazing race in an amazing place!
The Format
The two races are "minimalist" in nature, meaning there will be no supplemental course markings, and in the case
of the 10-mile race, no aid stations. Due to the limited amount of natural water on the course, the 20-mile race will
have one fluid station, located at the southwestern terminus of the ridge.
Runners will need to carry their own food and fluids, and must be experienced at reading a trail map and following colored trail blazes. The races courses will not have any supplemental markings. All participants will be given a course map at race check-in.
The Races
20-MILE Start time: 8:00am
This race takes runners along the entire length of the mountain and
back again. There are three big climbs along the way, including a
menacing rock scramble just before reaching checkpoint #2. Water
and sports drink will be provided at checkpoint #3, which is your
turnaround point. There are no other aid stations, so you should carry
whatever nutrition you may require, and you should start the race with
a full Camelbak or set of bottles.
Checkpoint #1: 4 miles
Checkpoint #2: 7 miles
Checkpoint #3: 10.5 miles (Fluids provided here)
Checkpoint #4: 14 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 3,556 feet
10-MILE Start time: 10:00am
The 10-mile race is the same as the 20-mile race for the first 4 miles, where it then diverges and stays atop the Western Ridge for a short time before descending into Barton Swamp and then climbing again to the Jessup Trail on the Eastern Ridge. There are no aid stations along this course, so you must carry all the fluids or nutrition that you'll need.
Checkpoint #1: 4 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,831 feet
Course Maps & Cue Sheets
20 MILE
For a printable map, click HERE. Or for an interactive map, click HERE
For a printable cue sheet, click HERE
10 MILE
For a printable map, click HERE. Or for an interactive map, click Here
For a printable cue sheet, click HERE
Arrival, Parking & Check-in
Parking
Will be on the recreational field of the Black Rock Fish & Game Club.
Arrive by way of Creamery Hill Road. Pass through the gate in the fence and then bear left to park on the lawn.
Race Check-in
20-Mile: beginning at 7:00am
10-mile: beginning at 9:00am
How do I get there?
For location of the race, simply click HERE. The best GPS address is 7 Creamery Road, Cornwall, NY
Awards
Top 3 Males and Females in each race will be awarded roses in recognition of Jacob Rose, who led Roosa's Rangers in a legendary revolutionary war battle on Schunemunk Mountain (PS - they lost).
Cancellation Policy
We regret that we are unable to offer refunds in response to
cancellation requests.
Results & Photos
Results
2019 20-Mile 10-Mile
2018 Race not held
2017 20-Mile 10-Mile
2016 20-Mile 10-Mile
2015 20-Mile 10-Mile
Photos 2016 2015
Course Records
20-Mile: Brian Ibbs 3:23 (2015), Chaiwen Chou 4:51:00 (2015)
10-Mile: Philip Shea 1:51 (2015), Francesca Audia 2:03:25 (2019)
Where To Stay
The following link shows various places to stay in the area of Mountainville/Cornwall: where to stay
Rock scramble on the Western Ridge Trail
The trail can be damaging !