Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to race through scenic and challenging terrain for Natural Lands Trust’s second annual ChesLen Chase for Open Space on October 24, at the 1,263-acre ChesLen Preserve in Unionville, Chester County.

Participants can choose from three courses – a 10K run, a 5K run, and a 2-mile run/walk.  Experienced runners will enjoy the challenging 10K run across open fields, dense woodlands, marshy wetlands, steep hills, and through a creek crossing.

The 5k runners will follow a similarly rugged trail while the 2-mile participants will take in the scenery on a more leisurely course through meadows and farm fields.

All participants will party after the race with food, craft beer, and live music by the Mojo Gypsies. Event sponsor, Victory Brewing Company, will provide 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.”

Stay at the party for the award ceremony where 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.

All registrants for the races will receive an exclusive race T-shirt. (Pre-registration is required to guarantee shirt size and availability.) Pretzel City Sports will provide professional timing services and instant results for runners. Race results will also be posted on the Pretzel City Sports and Natural Lands Trust websites.

Last year, more than 300 people attended the inaugural race praising its challenging course and fun post-race celebration. Organizers expect the event to be even more popular this year.

Registration is $45 for the 10K race, $35 for the 5K race, and $25 for the 2-mile fun run/walk. Kids ages 12 and under are free but must be registered to participate. Runners receive a $5 discount if they register on or before October 10. Members of Natural Lands Trust receive an additional $5 discount.

Proceeds from 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. With eight miles of trails, it’s a popular destination for hikers, runners, birders, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and families.

To register or for more information, visit the ChesLen Chase for Open Space webpage.

8/31/2015