CALLICOON – Registration for the 28th Annual Delaware Youth Center (DYC) River Run will open on April 1st, with this year’s event taking place on Sunday, July 19th. The first wave of participants will hit the tarmac at 8:15am, continuing one of Callicoon’s most anticipated summer traditions.

This is the second year Race Director Ed van der Schans has managed the event; last year was an incredibly steep learning curve for Ed & the Organizing Team, made even more challenging by the growth in participation.  The Team hopes to learn from their mistakes, improve upon their successes, and really look forward to hosting an even better event in 2026. 

Commenting on the event, Ed van der Schans said, “Last year was truly special. We welcomed a record 525 registrants, making 2025 the largest River Run to date. Seeing so many people come together — whether running, walking, or participating virtually — reinforced just how important this event is to our community. As I enter my second year as Race Director, my goal is to continue building on that momentum and ensure the River Run remains a signature event for both Callicoon and the Delaware Youth Center.”

Participants can choose

from the 5km walk or run, the 10km run, or the virtual Gary A. Winglovitz Race, making the event accessible to runners and walkers of all abilities. The race begins on Lower Main Street in Callicoon, heads out along the traffic-free River Road beside the scenic Delaware River, and finishes back in town. The course is flat, fast, and US Track & Field (USTF) certified, making it ideal for both first-time participants and seasoned competitors.

Beyond participation numbers, the impact of the River Run is felt year-round. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of runners, walkers, sponsors, and donors, the 2025 event raised over $50,000 for the Delaware Youth Center — a significant contribution to the organization’s annual operating budget. These funds directly support the upkeep of the facility and the many youth-focused programs, and community events held throughout the year.

“The River Run simply wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering support of our sponsors and local businesses,” added van der Schans. “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed last year — from title sponsors to individual donors — and we hope you’ll join us again in 2026 as we look to make an even bigger impact.”

Full event details and the registration link, which goes live on April 1st, can be found on the Delaware Youth Center website: www.delawareyouthcenter.org/the-river-race.