Healthy Kids Running Series Community Fundraisers

Help support healthy waterways in our community! Held in partnership with Concord Township, this event is a fundraiser to help raise money for watershed protection projects, including trail maintenance and erosion control, tree maintenance and plantings, streambank restorations, improvements to structures and public spaces within the watershed area, and water quality monitoring.

Schedule

• 8am 5K registration

• 8:40am Pre-race warm up by Yoga Six

• 9am 5K begins

• 10-2pm Family Fun Festival with vendors, games, music, food trucks, and more

• 11am 1st heat duck race with $100 first place prize

• 12:00 championship duck race with $1,000 grand prize

• 12:30 awards ceremony

The Chester creek, which runs through Newlin Grist Mill, is listed as impaired by the Pennsylvania DEP. When water quality is low, it has a detrimental impact on human health and safety, as well as the plants and animals that rely on our waterways. We monitor our stretch of the creek very closely by tracking pollutants, water temperature, and other factors that could impact the rich biodiversity of our streams. We have documented over a dozen species of freshwater fish in the stream, as well as turtles, aquatic insects, freshwater mussels, and the trout that we stock for our fly fishing program. Many other species depend upon healthy waterways, including herons, wood ducks, muskrats, mink, beaver, and other mammals. The landscape around the creek, known as a watershed, has significant impacts on water quality. Pollutants like road salt, lawn fertilizer, and soil erosion from construction all end up in the creek and harms aquatic life. Communities can improve water quality through projects

like riparian buffer restoration, storm water runoff management, and erosion reduction. Help us help the watershed by raising funds to support upcoming healthy creek improvement projects in the park!

• 5K: $35 per runner entry fee. $40 day of. Prizes will be awarded in each age group for both men and women. Free beer at the finish line for runners over 21, sponsored by Succession Fermentory

• Duck Race: $20 per duck or $50 for 3 ducks. $1,000 cash grand prize.

Elevate your cross country fitness at the Chester County XC Camp! Join us during the first week of August to train with the best runners and coaches in the local area. Athletes can expect to explore scenic locations, fine-tune their skills, and prepare for a breakthrough season. Don't miss out - register now to secure your spot and take your running to the next level!

With a focus on preparing you for the upcoming season, this camp offers a unique opportunity to improve overall fitness while learning more about the sport. Throughout the week, we will explore a variety of scenic locations, providing an inspiring backdrop for our training sessions. By training alongside some of the best runners in Chester County, you'll have the chance to learn from their expertise and improve your performance this fall.

Our experienced coaches are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential. They will provide personalized guidance, tailoring the training program to your individual needs and abilities. From technique and strategy to mental fortitude and race preparation, our coaches will cover all aspects of cross country running.

The camp is designed for athletes of all skill levels, whether you're a seasoned competitor or new to the sport. By participating in challenging workouts, informative discussions, and engaging activities, you'll gain valuable insights and skills to help you make the jump this fall. To ensure a consistent experience, the camp is open to participants in 3rd grade and above who can comfortably run at least a mile without stopping.

XC Camp Schedule / Locations: Please note location changes.

Monday (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Downingtown West High School at the Track

Tuesday (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM):Henderson HS Track (Please park in the student lot)

Wednesday (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Kerr Park in Park, Downingtown

Thursday (7:00 AM - 7:45 AM): Varsity Level Athletes Only - Shake Out Run on your own or with a small group.

Thursday (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Henderson for the WC Mile in the evening.

Friday (7:00 AM - 9:30 AM): Henderson High School at the track.

Saturday (7:30 AM - 8:45 AM): Optional Varsity Level Athlete Run - (East Branch Brandywine Trail Parking Lot)

** Entry into the West Chester Mile is included in the camp fee. **

Past Camp Speakers:

• Vince Touey, Widener University

• Teagan Schein Becker, Of the Brooks Beasts 2024 US Olympic Trials Qualifier 800/1500

• Josh Hoey od Adidas-4th place at the 2024 US Olympic Trials.

• Matt Centrowitz, 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist

• Leo Manzano, 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist

• Ajee Wilson, 2022 World indoor champion

• Professional Athletes: Kyle Merber, Johnny Gregorek, Eric Holt, Ben Allen, Luciano Fiore

• Gary Martin, 3:57 High School Miler

• Francis "Gags" Gagliano, Georgetown University / Professional Coach

• Tom Donnelly, Haverford College

• Colin Leak, West Chester University

• Vince Touey, Widener University

• Pat Castagno, Tatnall

• Bill Coren, Strath Haven

• Jeff Apple, The Move Clinic

• Many other local and national caliber coaches and athletes.

Join us for the 15th Annual Run the Vineyards hosted by Penns Woods Winery!

Enjoy scenic views, delicious wine, live music, and more! Penns Woods is a family winery known for its award-winning wine and beautifully landscaped property. Visit their website here: Penns Woods Winery.

Charity Partner for this race is HEADstrong. Learn more here: HEADstrong Foundation

Race Highlights:

• 9 AM - 15 Minute Yoga Session begins. Suitable for all levels. Presented by Yoga 6 of Glen Mills.

• 9:15 AM - 5K Chip-timed Race starts and finishes on the winery property, continues through the vineyard on short-cut, well manicured grass, and includes a portion of the 1st State Historical National Park! (PA portion)

• Custom High-quality Tech shirt included. Women's, Men's/unisex, Youth sizes or upgrade to Women's Racerback Tank Top for $5 extra. Men's Tank optional for no added fee. **Please Register by Aug. 30 to guarantee first choice. Many extras ordered and available while supplies last after Aug. 30.

• One Glass of Wine included (21+) (Nonalcoholic beverage options available)

• "Run the Vineyards" Stemless Wine Glass included

• Souvenir Finisher Medals available for purchase during registration for $8 or $10 on race day (while supplies last)

• Live Musician performs at after-party until 12 Noon.

• Food Truck on site

• Awards for Top 3 Male & Female Overall and Age Group winners (14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, and every 10 yrs)

• Free Downloadable Photos! Professional photographers on staff.

• Walkers and children welcome. Registration required to be on course for the safety of all participants. 1 Hour Time Limit.

• Dogs permitted on property, but not on race course. Jogging strollers not permitted on course.

Important Race Day Details:

• Packet Pick Up on Race Day @ 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM at "Good Day for a Run" tent.

• Bring a mat or beach towel. Arrive before 8:30 AM to pick up race bib and shirt, and set up for yoga.

• Yoga Starts @ 9AM. Race starts after 15 min yoga session, approx. 9:15 AM.

• Late arrivals may not start course after race starts. Course markings change during the race, and late arrivals can still pick up their swag, but will not be accomodated onto the course for the safety of all participants.

• Spectators welcome. Wine available for purchase during the race and after-party.

• Race is Rain or Shine. No refunds or deferrals.

Volunteers receive glass of wine for after-party and future free race! Visit "Volunteer" tab for details & sign up!

This special race, run in memory of siblings Jonathan Bacon Smith ’83 and Wendy Smith McMillan ’77, benefits the financial aid endowment named for them.

Long Sleeve T-shirt for all Pre-Registered Persons

The race will kick-off Homecoming Weekend at WFS on October 24, 2025. The "Kids Dash" begins at 8:10 a.m. (free to all children) and the race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Awards:

Top Overall M/F

Top M/F - Alumnus, Faculty/Staff, Walker

Age Groups- Top 3 M/F:

8 and under,9-10,11-12,13-14,15-16,17-19,20-29,30-39,40-49,50-59,60-69,70-79,80+

If you would like to sponsor this event, please CLICK HERE All sponsors who register by September 26 will be recognized at the event, listed on the long sleeved race t-shirt, and acknowledged in the winter issue of Quaker Matters magazine which is mailed to more than 6,500 members of the Friends School community. Early sponsor registrations (those received by September 26, 2025 with payment) will also be acknowledged on the event page on the WFS website.

See you at the start line!