Fire tower photos from Sunday Sept 6, 2026 plus a triplet of Viscid Violet Cort mushrooms on the trail from the recent rainy weather.
Activity continues at the Fire Tower site as section 3 – the section to the left in the photo of all three sections – is further assembled along with the stairs, railings, and treads.
Much of the activity is happening offsite in the metal shop fabricating and galvanizing new parts for the tower.
Once the third section is complete it will be hoisted atop the portion already set on the foundation.
If you want updates, send a note to firetowerraces@gmail.com with the subject “Tower updates please ;)”
The contractors assembled a wooden scaffolding on top of each section to assist in joining the sections together.
Most recently, section 2 was moved up via crane atop section 1 (the base, which has been anchored to the foundations since November 2025). This structure is now approximately 40′ high.
The stairs, railings, and transition platforms between stair sections are complete in these sections.
In addition, section 5 (the canopy section with the cabin and roof) has been placed on top of section 4 with the help of a wooden scaffolding for safety and ease of working at the joining spots.
This means the work area, which formerly had 4 separate sections of 20′ each now has 2 sections of 40′ each after the combining was finished.
This frees up room on the ground to assemble the middle section – section 3 – which didn’t have enough room in the construction area to be assembled before the combination of section 1 and section 2.
The parts for section 3 have been on-site since 2025 but they were awaiting this moment to get assembled.
Once section 3 is assembled (including stairs, railings, and landings) the big crane will be positioned at the site and it will be lifted atop the foundation sections (section 1 & 2 combined). Shortly after that, the top sections (4 & 5) will be hoisted atop to complete the fire tower.
There are still ground-level items needed before the tower will be officially opened. These include the security fence and the stair cage shown in the concept video. (concept video is here: https://crmfiretower.org/videos/ at about the 2 minute point of the third video listed). Below is a screen shot:
screen shot of concept video showing lower stair cage and security fencing – video source is third video on this page https://crmfiretower.org/videos/
More updates to come as progress is made!
Thank you for your support. Through the Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon & 10k in June we raised over $1,500 in three months from supporters via the Friends of the Fire Tower 501c3.
These funds will go towards educational and accessible exhibits to supplement the tower when it is open. One of the accessible programs we have proposed is a 360° virtual fire tower experience with custom seasonal panoramic views taken from atop our fire tower and available online and also using VR goggles at the Trailside Museum in the park.
We have a new goal of raising $5,000 from now through June 2027 by the NEXT Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon & 10k. We hope you can support us reaching that goal!
Thank you for coming out to run the Fire Tower Trail Races this past Sunday in support of the restoration of the Cross River Mountain Fire Tower to its historic place in Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
The races got started well and the weather was sunny and mid-60s temperature at the 8am Half Marathon start. The 10k started up at 9am and it was a bit warmer. There were a few twists of ankles and other bruises — but the increasing heat played a bigger role in some runners getting dehydrated.
Runners in distress were seen to by the fantastic Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Pound Ridge Fire Department members who were on hand. They were able to help most people on site at the park. But … If you had an injury or evacuation please let us know how you are doing if you are willing to share your experience (we won’t post anything here – just for our own knowledge).
TOP FINISHERS
For the Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon, top mens finishers were Eamonn Sullivan of Wappingers Falls (1:51:34), Riley Courtney of Ridgefield CT (1:52:30), and Eddy Jimenez of Sleepy Hollow NY (1:53:08)
Top women’s finishers for the Fire Tower Trail Half Marathon were Morgan Busko of Bronxville NY (2:06:46), Kristin Sheely of Armonk NY (2:12:49), and Jennifer Mikolay of Hopewell Junction NY (2:19:28).
For the Fire Tower Trail 10k the top three mens finishers were Griffin Cino of Mt Kisco (57:40), Maxim Stobetskiy of Ridgefield CT (57:47), and Andrew Powell of Darien CT (57:59).
For the Fire Tower Trail 10k the top three womens finishers were Delaney Bracken of Stratford CT (57:59), Kate Cino of Mt Kisco (1:08:15), and Carrie Euring of Fairfield CT (1:09:29).
If you look at the results through the Runsignup.com results link and you click on your entry, you can see photos linked to your finish time if those photos have your bib number showing in them. It’s a pretty cool way to see yourself on race day.
Note: Most runners did the 10k or the half marathon. But we heard from 1-2 runners that they did a “hybrid course” – some by mistake and some by choice. We’d love to see your Strava tracks for those distances if you have them handy. I don’t think we will be adding a “Fire Tower 9-ish Mile” option — but it would be good to know for future instructional and potential rescue purposes (send to firetowerraces@gmail.com).
The photos so far include albums of the Half Marathon & the 10k at various spots. These include Kimberly Bridge, the Fire Tower location (10k runners), a trail camera, at the finish line, plus pre- and post-race photos. Thank you to our photographers Sawyer Cummings, Carol Gordon, Roozbeh Daneshvar, Madie Dittrich, Rob Cummings, and others!
VOLUNTEERS
I wanted to acknowledge and thank our many volunteers, without whom the race simply wouldn’t happen. Apologies in advance if I forget anyone below. I will update this Race Recap online so let me know and I will add others.
For the course surveying and prep in the weeks before the race, Eric has been out there with me helping get the trails in shape. Runner Joe M is always keeping an eye on trail conditions and frequently takes care of issues on the Rez trails before anyone even knows about them. Many of our Sunday Runners also report Rez trail issues using the park’s GIS based reporting system.
In addition, the folks at the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNJTC) are the volunteer workers who coordinate with the parks department and clear the big blowdowns and re-route trails when conditions require it. Geoff Conner has led the local Ward Pound Ridge Reservation crew for over a decade. Rose, who was on-hand on Sunday as a race volunteer, is the NYNJTC Westchester County coordinator volunteers across all parks. If you want to know how to get hands-on with local park trail maintenance, connect with the NY-NJ Trail Conference volunteer page.
We have race volunteers who also helped with course setting – a crew of ten set out on Saturday 6/6 to set both the half marathon and the 10k courses. We divided into four teams to tackle areas of varying terrain and distance. Thank you to Jimmy, Paul, Eric, Ciorsdan, Orion, Annalise, Jack, Sawyer, Gerry, and Sam. It would have been a VERY long and tiring day for fewer people to set the full 20 miles of flags! (even with the course overlaps)
On race morning the Cobweb Crew of Lee, Carrie, Greg, and Joewent out to run and check the markings for the half-marathon course starting at 5am. After the 10k race started they went out and did it again – making them the record holders for the Fire Tower Trail Marathon! ;) These runners are key members of the Leatherman Harrier SundayRuns.org Crew that meets up every Sunday for runs and hikes. Visit SundayRuns.org for more information and to get on their email list.
Alan, Liane, Jimmy, and Peeter came in for the early shift to set up the tables and registration area and get ready for the bagel/coffee/etc food delivery. Gerry, Christy, Dean, Beth, Karen, & Heather came early and set up the Peace Love Trails aid station at Kimberly Bridge. Stephen and Sky made their way up to the top of the park to the currently-being-restored Fire Tower for the Fire Tower aid station. The other two aid stations (Intersection 39 and Michigan Road) were initially unmanned but had some check-ins.
At the bib/registration tables, Tanya, Erica, Chris, Brian, Katie, Alexian, Gail, Peeter, Alan, Liane, Eric, and Ciorsdan got everyone set with their bibs and sorted out the shirts.
In a category by himself, Jacob was the official “Split” Course Marshal at the key Intersection #62 just after Raven Rocks. He was in charge of making sure runners of the half and the 10k stayed on the correct course. He was also available to answer any philosophical questions that arose during the race day deep in the park. (does anyone have a photo of Jacob at his post??? send it in! or upload it here: https://leathermansloop.smugmug.com/upload/54RWkn/2026)
Our race sweeps were Lee, Greg, Carrie, and Joe for the Half Marathon along with Peeter who was the Half Marathon Flag Sweeper (aka the final course clearing of people and race markings). Derek and Clay were the 10k sweepers and were followed by Sy and Raphael who were the 10k Flag Sweepers. Scott was a hybrid sweep who ran the half marathon course and some of the 10k course – patrolling the park for any runners in distress.
Tony and Judy Godino were on hand as the races got underway to wish runners a good run as they passed through Kimberly Bridge. Tony is the person who got me involved not only with trail racing through my first trail race ever – the Leatherman’s Loop. He also got me started as a trail race organizer way back in 2007.
I wanted to thank everyone at Westchester County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation – and specifically park employees Mike, Josh, Mario, Jasper (who also ran the ½ marathon!), Jake, Bobby, Minaxi, Lily, plus Taro who is in charge at the Rez. Many folks at the permits office and Parks Dept HQ are also critical in support of the races and also the Fire Tower Restoration. A BIG thank you to everyone there!
FINAL THANK YOUS
The two people I want to thank below are the like the “Odin’s Ravens” of the Fire Tower Restoration effort. The mythical ravens Huginn and Muninn represent “Thought” and “Memory” and according to Norse Mythology they circled the world every day and related what they saw back to Odin – I will leave you to figure out who is who in my fairly stretched analogy.
Tom Cohn aka “Mr. Fire Tower” has been THE instigating and constant force behind the “bring back the fire tower” effort. Tom is the reason the fire tower restoration idea existed in the first place – he remembers the original fire tower fondly from his earlier days. He is a BIG supporter of this race and the runners. You saw on your way past the tower it is well under construction. Tom was the OFFICIAL 10k STARTER for the inaugural races. Tom was introduced to me by Tony GODINo way back in 2012.
Erika Pierce has been the County Legislator for District 2 (the one the race takes place in) since 2021. She was the OFFICIAL STARTER for the Half Marathon. Erika is a tireless advocate for the parks system — and especially this park. She’s one of the main reasons we are seeing a fire tower here in the park in 2026 because of her ability to get many projects done in the county capital budget and parks budget. In addition to the fire tower restoration, other projects here include the covered bridges, the entry pond and dam work, and the mill pond restoration. In addition to the Rez she has spearheaded major upgrades and improvements Muscoot Farm, Mountain Lakes Park, Merestead Park, Hilltop Hanover Farm, and many other parks in the county.
Last but not least — I want to thank my family members Griffin, Kathryn, Orion, Annalise, Sawyer and of course my lovely wife Ciorsdan – I couldn’t do this all without you. Love you!
-Rob
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PS: We had some race day heroes as well – Nick and Terry helped a runner in distress at Michigan Road. Others stopped and offered help as well. I heard Ace was very helpful to another dehydrated runner but don’t know details (thank you!). I was setting up water at the Michigan Road aid station when I had to go to the aid of a runner — and a very nice woman walking with her dog (not even running the race or spectating) offered to take over at the aid station when she saw I had to divert my attention. There were many other helpers along the way – We thank you all!!
PPS: We will return in the fall with Run the Farm and Raven Rocks Run – but there are local trail races in the area over the summer that you’re going to want to check out – and tell your friends about!
In TWO weekends (June 28th) the second annual Fork in the Trail 5k — put on by Peace Love Trails — heads into the windy trails of Westmoreland Sanctuary in Mt Kisco via the Fox Lane Middle School trailhead. The race course is a “lollipop” shape – and when runners get to the junction (about 1k in) they can take either a right or a left turn (runners choice!) creating two way racing fun on the middle 3k trail loop. A few weeks after that is their MID-WEEK evening run at Bowdoin Park in Wappingers Falls – the Bowdoin Bushwhack 5 mile Trail Run.
Meanwhile a few weeks after that – on Saturday August 1st – Steep Endurance is bringing the Ridge Reaper Ultramarathons to Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Featuring a 25k, 50k, and 50 mile course, these races will be intense!
Hope to see you out on the trails this summer!
Cross River Mountain Fire Tower website – History, Photos, Restoration Progress, etc.https://crmfiretower.org
You can sign up for Run the Farm (Oct) or Raven Rocks Run (Nov) — or both races at the same time and get a bundle discount.
There is Last Minute Online Registration available until this evening if you are deciding late to run – sign up now and make tomorrow morning easier for yourself!
THERE WILL BE SAME DAY REGISTRATION AT THE PARK TOMORROW! If you haven’t signed up yet but want to run – come early. Day of race registration opens at 7:00am.
See you on the trails!
….Rob, Ciorsdan, and the Fire Tower Volunteers
⬇️ Download this course map to your phone photos ⬇️
To: Everyone who is registered for (or may be thinking of registering for) the 2026 Fire Tower Trail Races:
Race director Rob Cummings, his lovely wife Ciorsdan along with the dedicated Fire Tower volunteers have been working hard to set up this year’s event.
Please take a minute to read through this important race logistics information — it will help make your race day run more smoothly!
Here are 9 tips that will help you on race morning:
1.) ARRIVE EARLY! The Trail Half Marathon starts at 8:00am, the 10k Trail Race starts at 9:00am. Arriving 30 minutes ahead is the minimum you should plan for. Earlier if you can! Car pool if you can.
The regular $10 park entry fee is incorporated in part of the Fire Tower Trail Races entry fee so there is no need to stop and pay at the entry booth. Park in the Meadow Parking Lot.
2.) DRIVE SLOWLY in the Park! Pay close attention to the volunteers who are directing the parking. Car pool if you can – this helps the environment – and it makes the race more fun! For a helpful overview of the race location (parking, start, bib pickup), check the logistics page of the website here.
3.) LISTEN FOR YOUR RACE START and DETAILS ABOUT THE COURSE MARKINGS! The races have distinct color markings showing you the way through the course.
– BLUE FLAGS are for the HALF MARATHON.
– PINK FLAGS are for the 10k.
4.) RUNNER BIB NUMBER COLORS CORRESPOND TO THE FLAG COLOR YOU SHOULD FOLLOW on the course!
If you are running the half marathon, your bib numbers are BLUE and you follow the BLUE flags and course markings.
If you are running the 10k, your bib numbers are PINK and you follow the PINKflags and course markings.
5.) There are portions of the courses that overlap and will haveBOTH COLOR FLAGS on it. Be aware of your course flag color and make sure you are seeing it on the trail.
Both courses converge at KIMBERLY BRIDGE and continue together up to the FIRE TOWER, INDIAN ROCK SHELTER, and RAVEN ROCKS.
A bit after Raven Rocks, the courses diverge again at Intersection #62. There will be arrow signs, course flags, and a course marshal there to help make sure you make the correct turn.
The Half Marathon course goes deep into the southern part of the park via the Rock Trail (RT). This trail is named for the MANY rocks you will encounter, both named rocks (Indian, Raven, Spy, Castle, Bear, and Dancing Rock) and unnamed rocks as far as the eye can see.
Runners doing the 10k will head down the very popular red and yellow trails to come out at the Michigan Road trailhead. At Michigan Road, all runners converge — with BOTH COLOR FLAGS on course — and everyone heads up the final climb of Fox Hill back to the meadow FINISH LINE.
6.) STAY ON COURSE IF YOU CAN’T CONTINUE! There will be a number of “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 over 4,300 acres with 45 miles of trail. So please don’t leave the course unless you know exactly where you are going. The aid/water stations also have course maps with contact numbers.
7.) SAME DAY REGISTRATION – Online registration will be open through 8pm Saturday June 6th and will resume at 7am on race day Sunday June 7th on-site via online registration.
If you or a friend are looking to run the race, sign up ASAP so you are set up in our system and your bib will be prepped and ready for race day!
8.) RESULTS: Results with time and place will be available soon after the finish online at the website. Link is at https://crmfiretower.org/results and will contain results links for both races.
9.) THANK A VOLUNTEER! A tremendous amount of volunteer effort goes into making the Fire Tower Trail Races a special event. Registration volunteers, pie buyers, course setters, trail marshals, box lifters, aid station volunteers, food tent helpers, coffee brewers, parking crew, photographers, videographers, course sweeps, and the clean-up crew—not to mention the Pound Ridge andLewisboro Police officers and the dedicated members of the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Pound Ridge Fire Department!
This is a brand new race and we have tried to think of everything, but there are going to be things we miss. If you have any feedback, positive, negative, or mixed, we want to hear it all. Email us at firetowerraces@gmail.com and let us know.
We consider feedback of any type to be a gift because you are taking the time to let us know how we are doing and how we can possibly improve. Many times we are simply unable to know when something can be better – or if something was awesome – unless somebody tells us.
We are grateful that we have such a wonderful group of trail running enthusiasts (YOU!) to share this run with. We are also thankful that we have the thousands of acres of parkland at the Rez to enjoy!
Many runners have donated to the Friends of the Fire Tower during registration – We thank you for supporting the mission of enhancing accessibility and education around the Fire Tower. This group was formed in partnership with the Westchester Parks Foundation, and it is a 501c3 organization. We have raised over $2,000 to date for the Friends of the Fire Tower group.
Expect more news shared on Facebook, Instagram, via email, and our website as the event nears… as well as the OPENING of the RESTORED FIRE TOWER…. (Date TBD — but they are hard at work!)
See you on the trails… and at the top of the Fire Tower hopefully very soon!
Good luck and have fun,
….Rob, Ciorsdan, and the rest of the Fire Tower Trail Race Volunteers!
We very much appreciate the help of VOLUNTEERS on race day. In fact the race doesn’t happen without volunteers.
If you would like to help at an aid station, help setting up (early!) or breaking down, course marshaling, registration, carrying stuff around, setting up food & drink, etc. We can find a spot for you! Just let us know via the Volunteer Signup Form here:
