The Watershed Institute’s 4th Annual 10K/5K Trail Run & Festival was a muddy success with more than 200 racers braving the morning rain and humidity to run the course on the Watershed Reserve.
The trail run helps support The Watershed Institute’s efforts to keep water clean, safe, and healthy in central New Jersey. Founded in 1949, the Watershed works to protect water and the environment through conservation, advocacy, science and education.
Given the spring’s heavy rains and morning showers, the mud-splattered runners navigated the 10K and 5K courses with care, laughing at the water-slogged sections after the starting gun went off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 19.
The routes were designed to tour portions of the 950-acre Watershed Reserve with views of meadow and forest, Wargo Pond and Honey Brook Organic Farm. The course was altered just days before the event for the safety of runners.
“We’re pleased by the success of our fourth annual Trail Run that furthers the Watershed’s vital work of protecting and restoring our waterways,” said the Watershed’s executive director Jim Waltman. “We’re grateful for all of our participants, volunteers and sponsors.”
Despite the weather, there were 87 participants in the 10k race and 144 in the 5K race, bringing the total number of racers to 231.
The fastest female and male runners in the 10K race were Nilofar Ismail, 52, of Pennington and Will Ratner, 18, of Princeton. Winners of the 5K race were Erin Panzarella, 38, of Lambertville, and Brian Koch, 37, of Hamilton.
Certificates and insulated The Watershed Institute water bottles were given to winners of various age categories for the men’s and women’s divisions.
Festivities included music by The Dadz, activities for children, and food, running and outdoor gear vendors groups. For more information, please visit https://thewatershed.org/trail-run/.
