FKT Report: Breakneck Ridge
DATE: 5.25.19
LOCATION: HUDSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK PRESERVE, NY
ADVENTURE: 12.9 MILES, ~10,000FT ELEVATION CHANGE
FKT: 3:34:49
At 8:21 am I hit the start button on my watch and took off for my first FKT attempt. The route was a difficult one, but also familiar as I had trained here all last summer. The start was the base of Breakneck Ridge trail in the Hudson Highlands, considered to be the most strenuous hikes in the area with steep climbs over rock ledges. It is also wildly popular with several viewpoints overlooking the Hudson River.
I felt strong as I climbed 1,250 ft in under a mile, scrambling easily over each section. Once up near the top, the trail continues along the ridge over very technical terrain. There are few flat sections and is made up of mostly steep ups and downs with relentless rocks. The trail drops significantly before the final climb up to the Beacon fire tower. Once at the tower, it’s about 2 miles down to the parking lot and trailhead. 1 hour and 25 minutes in, I was surprised to still be feeling quite good! I took off happily to run down the Beacon trail, a route I knew very well from countless repeats on the mountain. 20 minutes later, I was turning around, now halfway through in 1 hour 45 minutes.
As I climbed back up Beacon, I had a few nervous thoughts about scrambling down on the sections ahead. But I pushed them aside to focus on the present moment. In my pack I carried Hüma gels, honey stinger gummies, cheez-its and gatorade in my bottles. Back at the top of Beacon at the fire tower, Stephen met me to take one of my empty bottles and give me a full one. I was now 2 hours and 17 minutes in, but still feeling fresh.
As I started down Beacon towards Breakneck Ridge, I passed a group of fellow NYC trail runners. It was such a boost to see familiar faces! I still felt strong even as the temps climbed up to about 70 degrees. The sun was out, but with only a few exposed sections, I was shaded by the trees.
The way back was becoming pretty crowded with day hikers. I tried my best to be courteous but also to keep moving quickly. Choosing to do this on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend was probably not the best idea, as the crowds definitely slowed me down. With just a mile to go, I had reached the most difficult part, scrambling down Breakneck Ridge with a long queue of people climbing up. I definitely waited at a few points for petrified hikers frozen on the trail. Looking back, I feel I could have gone under 3:30, but it was safer to be more cautious. Not worth a fall for me or anyone else!
I ran the final stretch back to where I had started 3 hours 34 minutes and 50 seconds earlier. I had done it! And a bit faster than planned! With nearly 10,000 ft of elevation change in just under 13 miles, I felt accomplished and please with my effort. It was an absolute gorgeous day on the trails. I loved every minute of it!