The fourth annual 5K Race for the Watershed and Duck Derby at Newlin Grist Mill drew more runners than in previous races. While 160 runners preregistered, according to Concord Township Parks and Rec Director Steve Jacobs, 141 showed up but, according to Jacobs, that was still a record number of runners.
The event is a fundraiser benefiting the grist mill park in Concord Township. In previous years, the money went to purchase water monitoring equipment, but this year the scope was a little broader.
According to Newlin’s Development Director Brenda Orso, “So this year it’s a broader scope we’re looking to raise money for all projects and protection activities within the watershed, so not just water monitoring equipment, but like tree planting, trail maintenance, anything that’s going to affect the water side,” Orso said.
The monitoring equipment purchased in the past was used to track water temperature, sediment, foreign particles and pollutants,” she added.
Attending her first Race for the Watershed was Amy Ricci, the park’s new executive director
“I’m very excited. I’m thrilled,” Ricci said. “We have a great turnout of runners. We have lots of duck sponsors, and I’m just excited to be a part of everything that we’re doing here today. And all the proceeds go to watershed restoration, watershed Project. So, I’m thrilled.”
She continued by echoing Orso’s comments.
“We’re really broadening what the watershed is because really everything in here qualifies, and we have a ton of work to do on our streams, on plantings. And so, we are going broader. We have our baseline down for monitoring, and now it’s going to be to get trees in the ground to help stabilize our stream bank, introduce things like that to stabilize the watershed area,” Ricci said.
Again, the event is a collaboration between Concord Township and the Newlin Grist Mill, Jacobs said, and that it’s important to both.
“This means a lot to the township to be able to partner with a great organization like the grist mill. Obviously, the fourth year doing this, raising awareness in the community, and we’re seeing signs that their reach is starting to grow…It’s important because all of our waterways are connected.”
In talking to the runners, most were concerned about the race itself as opposed to the cause of helping the grist mill. Some did express concern, however.
Kathy Leslie, of Chadds Ford, is a long-time runner and cancer survivor.
“I’ve been through Newlin Grist Mill and through the trails\ and thought it would be fun to do a run and support the watershed,” she said.
Kyle Randell, from West Chester, said he is up for any such event.
“Any charitable event, I’m happy to give to. Anyway, to help people is always a good thing.”
Kathy Rittenhouse, from Delaware. She said it was her first time at Newlin Grist Mill, but she’s pleased with the cause.
“I like what they’re doing here, and I’m here to support them,” Rittenhouse said.
Top finishers in the 5K were Sam Chalifoux, who came in at 18:25:78, and the top female racer was Kaitlin King, who finished with a time of 24:10:27.
The fundraising aspect of the day comes from runners paying $40 to take part. Others “bought ducks” for the Derby. Ducks were $20 each or $50 for three ducks. The ducks are dumped into the Chester Creek that runs through the park. The winning duck can turn that $20 buy-in into a $1,000 return.
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
