Finding Solace in Virtual Races

As social distancing remains in place, runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists are finding solace in participating in outdoor activities and virtual races. The current pandemic has sidelined traditional races, marathons, and other group activities and virtual races allow participants to create their own courses in their neighborhoods or on a favorite trail and are helping local nonprofits raise funds.
Darby Creek Valley Association (DCVA) is one of those local nonprofits, DCVA services parts of Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Philadelphia Counties to help to protect the Darby Creek Watershed. The Darby Creek Watershed encompasses 49,920 acres and drains directly into and provides the water that sustains John Heinz Wildlife Refuge and provides drinking water for millions.
DCVA’s Executive Director stated," During the pandemic, it’s difficult to raise funds with tradition methods. Numerous sponsorships ,grants and other funding source have been cut. We needed to think outside the box for fundraising. The idea for the Tributary Trot – A Virtual Race for Clean Water was developed.”
How it works: sign up and walk, run or hike, anywhere, at any time. You can do it with friends, family, or by yourself, on a trail or in your neighborhood. After you are finished sign back in and report your time. Medals, bibs, and T shirts for the event are available. Sign up now till July 11.
DCVA Board member , Derron LaBrake said “ It’s a great idea , and there are numerous trails along the Darby and Cobbs Creek that you can enjoy while participating. For example, Natural Lands Sharp’s Woods in Berwyn; Waterloo Mills in Newtown Square; Radnor’s Skunk Hollow and Ithan park; Haverford Reserve Trails, Cobbs Creek Trail, Drexel Hill’s Darby Creek Trail, and John Heinz Wildlife Refuge , just to name a few. "
If interested you can sign up at Tributary-Trot or find out more at dcva.org .