From the Jersey Palisades, with Love

Oscar G

Late June 2015, without much pomp and circumstance, the New York Flyers held what could very well have been the 25^th anniversary of its famed Palisades Interstate Park LTR. My sources tell me that founding members Jerry Flower and Ed O’Donnell organized the first run as early as 1990 (or maybe 1991).  

Rumor has it that in the early years Mr. and Mrs. Flower would throw a BBQ after the run in their place near the finish line. Since then, dozens of Flyers have stepped up to help keep this tradition going year after year. Although the Flyers online photo archive only goes back to the year 2000, a quick search turned up a few nice gems of organizers from years past.

Twenty five years later, the Palisades run keeps going strong. Nearly thirty runners braved rain and windy conditions to enjoy a touch of suburban running away from the weekend crowds of Central Park or the Hudson River Greenway. Five stand-up Flyers volunteered to staff hydration stations and to ensure all were safe on the course. Naturally, as dictated by our long Flyers tradition, the run was followed by brunch at nearby Cabrini’s restaurant.

So what makes the Palisade LTR so popular with Flyers and non-members alike? For sure the camaraderie and social aspects are a big draw, but that’s not necessarily unique to this particular event. What does make this run special is the striking natural beauty of the Jersey Palisades and the challenging elevation profile of the course. Let’s also not forget the George Washington Bridge, which most New Yorkers seldom have the chance (or inclination) to cross on foot. 

The run normally starts at the corner of Fort Washington Ave and 179^st St, right on the steps of the Holyrood Episcopal Church and across the street from the GWB bus terminal. After a very short safety and information brief, runners are on their way with their chosen pace groups.  Within a minute or two, runners become part of a small minority of New Yorkers who know how to access the pedestrian walkways of the GWB.

Like many structures in large cities with long histories, the GWB is an unsung marvel of modern engineering. An estimated 106 million vehicles crossed the bridge in 2014 giving it the dubious distinction of being the busiest in the world. The original design called for its imposing 600 ft steel towers to be encased in concrete and granite, but cost constraints during the great depression forced engineers to alter the final design leaving the steel cross-beams exposed.

Crossing the bridge on foot affords participants a more intimate connection with a landmark we have all grown accustomed to view mundanely for its utility rather than its grandeur. The LTR gives runners unique views as they navigate the course across, over and under the GWB. 

On the New Jersey side of the bridge, the course turns south for about a quarter mile before entering the Palisades Interstate Park on Henry Hudson Drive then heading north along the Hudson River shore. The park was open to the public in 1909 as a result of what could be considered the earliest victory of environmental activism in the United States. Under pressure from civic organizations such as “The American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society” and the “New Jersey Federation of Women’s Clubs,” officials from both New York and New Jersey formed the Palisades Interstate Park Commission (PIPC) to stop the daily blasting of the Palisades cliffs by numerous quarries extracting gravel and building materials. 

The change in scenery is both dramatic and swift. The noisy bustle of the GWB gives way to a quiet and narrow country road. Mature trees on both sides of the road provide nice cover from the sun and offer but a glimpse at autumn’s early colors, especially when the LTR falls in late September as it did last year.

A mile or so after entering the park, the challenging nature of the course becomes clear. The first few miles feature mild (mostly downward) rolling hills, reaching water level at the Englewood picnic area, just past mile 4 on the course. The first significant climb follows, rising about 140 ft in only 3 10ths of a mile.  Fortunately, the first fluid station is just half a mile from the top of the hill in the Undercliff picnic station.  Anyone running 10 miles can hydrate, use the bathroom and turn back from this location.

The next aid station is located on mile 9. Volunteers provide water, Gatorade, gels, bananas and much cheer and encouragement. You’ll need it to tackle the next mile to the Park Rangers’ station. It is almost a 400 ft climb on weary legs. By comparison, Harlem Hill (counter-clockwise) climbs almost 90 ft in about a third of a mile. The timing of the LTR and the course was perfect this year for three Flyers training for the 2015 San Francisco marathon.

In summary, the Palisades LTR is a great event and the 2015 Palisades LTR #2 is scheduled for Saturday, September the 19^th. It is easily accessible by the A or 1 trains. It offers a chance to run through a course full of history, natural beauty and one amazing feat of civil engineering. It will challenge you and help you improve your fitness level. I found it surprisingly rewarding to look back at the history of this event. It reaffirmed my belief in the club’s goal and activities. I look forward to another 25 years of fun running in The Palisades. Go Flyers! 

-Oscar G*

*Special thanks to Richard B and Tim D for providing historical information about the Flyers Palisades LTR.