CALLICOON, NY — Under clearing skies and ideal morning temperatures, Callicoon welcomed runners, walkers and supporters from near and far for the 28th annual Delaware Youth Center (DYC) River Run on July 19.

After days of monitoring regional air quality concerns from the Canadian wildfires, an overnight rainstorm and favorable winds resulted in a crisp, clear morning along the scenic, flat course winding alongside the Delaware River.

“We got incredibly lucky with the wildfire smoke clearing out in time for race morning,” said race director Edward van der Schans. “Looking out at the starting line and seeing hundreds of eager faces ready to go after a week of uncertain weather was a big relief.”

Roughly 430 participants took part across the 5K run, 10K run and 5K walk. Local athletes and visiting competitors delivered impressive performances across all divisions:

10K Run 

Men: Kai Dresher at 38.35 and

Women: Amy Neugebauer at 43:38

5K Run

Men: Evan Fitzpatrick at 18:06 and

Women: Alaina Keller at 19:34.

5K Walk

Men: Chase Steinberg at 38:31 and

Women: Toni Walton at 36:49.

This year’s River Run raised just over $45,000 for the youth center, providing vital funding that directly supports the facility’s $200,000 annual operating budget.

“The River Run is a big part of our fundraising efforts every year,” van der Schans said. “Operating our baseball park, pool, and community programs takes a massive community effort. Raising over $45,000—nearly a quarter of our entire annual budget—ensures we can keep our doors open, our facilities maintained and our programs accessible for another generation of Callicoon-area kids. We are deeply grateful to every runner, sponsor, volunteer, and donor who made this possible.”

More than 60 sponsors are thanked and listed on the DYC website and social media.

Full race results for all in-person categories are available online via Second Wind Timing.