Natural Lands Trust invites you to kick up your heels at its first trail race—the ChesLen Chase for Open Space—on October 25, at the land conservation organization’s ChesLen Preserve in Unionville, Chester County.
Participants can take a walk (or run!) on the wild side—and get some mud on their shoes to show for it—as they enjoy the fresh air and natural setting of the 1,263-acre ChesLen Preserve.
Choose among three courses—a 10K run, a 5K run, and a 1.5-mile run/walk— all of which traverse the ChesLen Preserve’s beautiful landscapes. The challenging 10K course leads runners across open fields, through dense woodlands, and around marshy wetlands, and includes steep hills and a creek crossing.
But the fun’s not over when you hit the finish line! The post-race party will include live music, craft beer and BBQ from Victory Brewing Company, and an awards ceremony.
Chester County Running Store will provide professional timing services (bibtags) and instant results for runners. Race results will also be posted on the CCRS and Natural Lands Trust websites.
The top overall male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in six age groups for both the 5K and 10K events will be awarded prizes.
Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Kids ages 12 and under are free. All registrants for the races will receive an event T-shirt.
Event sponsor Victory Brewing Company will offer one free BBQ sandwich and one free beer (age 21 and older) to all participants. Additional sandwiches and beverages will be available for purchase from Victory’s iconic “Brew Pub on Wheels.”
Proceeds from the ChesLen Chase for Open Space will benefit Natural Lands Trust’s ChesLen Preserve—one of the largest private nature preserves in southeastern Pennsylvania. This picturesque open space features sweeping agricultural fields, densely wooded stream corridors, and rare serpentine barrens.
ChesLen Preserve is open to the public, free of charge, during daylight hours seven days a week. Its eight miles of trails make it a popular destination for hikers, birders, nature enthusiasts, families, and runners.
Registration is $45 for the 10K race, $35 for the 5K race, and $25 for the 1.5-mile fun run/walk. Runners receive a $5 discount if they register on or before October 11. Members of Natural Lands Trust receive an additional $5 discount. Runners who go the extra mile and become a fundraiser for the event will have the opportunity to race for free.
For more information, visit the ChesLen Chase For Open Space webpage.