October 23, 2016

The crowd that assembled at the ChesLen Center on Saturday, Oct. 22, could never be mistaken for fair-weather preservation fans.

Despite persistent showers and punishing wind gusts, 436 gathered to participate in the Third Annual ChesLen Chase for Open Space, an increase of 14 percent from last year. Organized by Natural Lands Trust, the event benefited the ChesLen Preserve in Newlin Township, one of the largest private nature preserves in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Runners of all ages and abilities selected from one of three skill levels. A challenging 10K run traversed open fields, dense woodlands, marshy wetlands, steep hills, and included a creek crossing. The 5K runners followed a similarly rugged but shorter trail while the two-mile participants enjoyed a more leisurely course through meadows and farm fields.

Despite the different terrain, all the participants shared the preserve’s scenic vistas: 1,263 acres of sweeping agricultural fields, densely wooded stream corridors, and rare serpentine barrens.

Joanne Fritz of Thornbury Township said such views motivated her and her husband, Ross, to participate in the event for the first time. “We’re losing the beautiful, rolling hills of Chester County,” she said. “We’re interested in anything we can do to support efforts to save them.”

Her husband agreed, echoing the sentiments of many participants. “We’ll definitely come out again,” he said.

Oliver P. Bass, vice president of communications and engagement for Natural Lands Trust, said more than 20 volunteers played a vital role in making the race possible.

“They contributed in a wide variety of ways, including set-up, providing water to and directing runners on the course, helping with registration, directing parking, and more,” he said.

One of those volunteers, Vince Schiela of Birmingham Township, served a dual role as parking assistant and finish-line welcomer. He said he honed the former skills helping out with marching band activities at Unionville High.

At the finish line, he provided rousing, celebratory cheers as racers completed the course, and he said it was easy to distinguish the serious runners from the rest.

“Some people were running so fast, they went by without a word,” he said, adding that the more relaxed folks expressed appreciation for the reception. “The little kids were the best.”

The ones who zipped by could have had an ulterior motive: rushing to the post-race festivities. In addition to live music and an awards ceremony, participants were treated to barbecued pork and a beer, courtesy of Victory Brewing Company, one of the event sponsors.

Bass said that although most runners were from Chester and Delaware counties, some came from Delaware, New Jersey, and even as far away as New York and Virginia.

“We were tremendously grateful to all those who braved a chilly, windy day to help make the Third Annual ChesLen Chase a success and look forward to an even bigger race next year,” he said.

The ChesLen Preserve, located at 1199 Cannery Road, Coatesville, Pa., 19320, is open to the public, free of charge, during daylight hours. With eight miles of trails, it’s a popular destination for hikers, runners, birders, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families.

Natural Lands Trust, the region’s oldest and largest conservation organization, owns and manages a network of 42 nature preserves totaling more than 22,000 acres. It spans 13 counties in two states and includes virtually every major ecosystem type in the region, according to its website.