I ran the Suffern - Bear Mountain Trail on June 18th. I planned on giving a hard effort to get a sense of my fitness, but I didn't have a clue if the FKT was within reach. I did have Ben's time in mind though, and as it became evident I had a shot I pushed to make it happen.
I went northbound because it was logistically easier for me and I like that it's the direction in which the trail is named. I carried two 16oz flasks, and refilled them from a stream that feeds into Tiorati Brook. Most seasonal water sources were dry. I ate a variety of gels during the run, and took some salt pills.
I started my watch at the trailhead sign on Orange Ave. I stopped my watch after touching the tree with three blazes marking the northern terminus of the trail near Bear Mountain Inn. The only splits I caught while running were: Third Reservoir 1:40:04, Lake Welch Drive 2:31:20.
Someone will run this in less than four hours before too long.