CALLICOON — Traditions are coming back to the Delaware Youth Center’s annual River Run.

The tumult of the pandemic first turned the fundraising race virtual in 2020, then forced the volunteer-run race to be cut back in 2021.

But everything will be back to normal this year, Race Director Ann Santoro told the Democrat.

That means this year there will be a 5K walk, a 5K run, a 10K run, and a virtual run — all marking the 24th year of the River Run.

“It’s really all coming back to life,” Santoro said of the race and the center itself.

The Youth Center’s pool is once again open and its popular summer program is back in action. The non-profit has even added a pickleball court to its grounds this year.

“It’s really just an exciting year, and you can just feel the energy,” Santoro said.

It’s energy that pulses through the annual race, held on the third Sunday in July each year and landing on July 24 in 2022. With a course that follows the Delaware River along the largely flat River Road in Callicoon, it’s a race popular with runners who enjoy a chance to set a new personal record and popular with supporters of the non-profit that provides myriad opportunities for the youth of the Callicoon area.

The race has what Santoro calls a “family feel,” with many young kids running their first ever race along the course closed to vehicle traffic and parents and grandparents walking — or running — with strollers.

“We want to let everyone in on our secret,” Santoro shared. “It’s a great race to get into running and 5Ks, and it’s a great race to come back to!”

Registration for this year’s race can be done online at https://delawareyouthcenter.org/the-river-run and there will be race day registration beginning at 7 a.m. at the Youth Center on Creamery Road on July 24. The 5K walk will kick off at 8:15 a.m. followed by the 5K and 10K run at 8:30 a.m.

Heading to the Country Fair the day before? Racers can also register and pick up their race packet from 3 to 6 p.m. on July 23!

Race fees all benefit the Delaware Youth Center.