CALLICOON, NY — On Sunday, July 20, the Delaware Youth Center (DYC) hosted the 27th annual River Run, a famously popular event divided into three categories: a 5K run/walk, a 10K run/walk and the Gary A. Winglovitz Virtual Race, which was created in 2019 in honor of the Cochecton resident who, before tragically passing away at the age of 41, spent his childhood at the local youth center.
Billed as “one of the largest and most vital fundraisers” for the DYC, “it allows us to operate the facility and keep the youth center open for another generation of Callicoon area kids.”
The 2025 race registered several hundred participants, while in the recent past, the virtual race has featured runners from the 48 contiguous states, along with folks from Peru, Spain and Australia.
The race kicked off with a rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, our proud nation’s anthem. The lyrics are derived from the “Defense of Fort McHenry,” a poem penned by Francis Scott Key on September 14, 1814.
The race was held along River Road, and according to the organizers, “boasts some of the most scenic views in New York State, with a fast, flat course along the Delaware River, perfect for personal records.”

Awards were presented to the top three female/male runners by age group, and the top three walkers of both genders.
Edward van der Schans took over this year as race director, and before the event, shared a few comments with the River Reporter.
“I was a keen runner as a child and young adult where I grew up… in the UK, so now with two young boys of my own, I thought this was a great opportunity to develop personally and contribute to the community where my wife, boys and I spend a lot of our time,” he said.
“It is amazing to see how many people from the community contribute in a multitude of ways, from… running, sponsoring, supporting, buying raffle tickets or donating their time, they all make a big impact on the amazing work the Delaware Youth Center does for Callicoon and the surrounding area at large.”

For full results, visit https://www.secondwindtiming.com.