A Memorable Finale: Celebrating the Legacy of River Valley Run
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the conclusion of the River Valley Run Trail Festival, which has been a cherished event in our community for the past 16 years. This year's race, scheduled to take place on October 14th, 2023, will mark the final installment of this beloved tradition.
When we initiated the River Valley Run over a decade and a half ago, our primary objective was to create a significant fundraiser for camp scholarships, enabling children from all backgrounds to experience the life-changing experience of summer camp at RVR. We take immense pride in the positive impact we've been able to make on hundreds of young lives through your participation in this race. Additionally, we are humbled that this event gained national recognition, consistently ranking among the top trail races in the country.
However, after careful consideration, we have come to the difficult decision that the River Valley Run can no longer effectively achieve its original goal of being a significant fundraiser for our camp scholarship program given the resources required to put it on. While this conclusion is bittersweet, it is essential that we adapt to the changing landscape and ensure the long-term sustainability of RVR's mission.
Several factors have influenced this decision. First, we have observed a general decline in participation nationwide for running events, which has affected the overall fundraising potential of the River Valley Run. Despite our best efforts to engage and inspire runners, the interest in such events has diminished over time. Furthermore, attendance did not recover as expected following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While this decision is undoubtedly bittersweet, we are immensely grateful for the incredible community support that has sustained the River Valley Run over the years. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the participants, sponsors, organizers, Race Directors, course designers, volunteers, and community partners who have contributed to the success and impact of this event. Your unwavering support has been truly remarkable.
As we bid farewell to the River Valley Run, we want to emphasize that this decision in no way diminishes our commitment to our mission of providing camp scholarships and ensuring access to a life-changing week of camp for children in need. We will redirect our efforts and explore alternative avenues to secure the necessary funding to continue this vital work, allowing us to serve even more deserving children in our community. In addition, this decision does not completely rule out the possibility of reintroducing it in a different form or exploring alternative events in the future.
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of the River Valley Run's journey, and we encourage you to join us one last time on October 14 for a memorable and celebratory final race (spots will be limited). Let us commemorate the incredible achievements, friendships forged, memories made and the lasting impact that this event has had on our community.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to creating new opportunities to share the Good News of Jesus and make a positive difference in the lives of children in the years to come. We hope to see you on October 14th!
With much gratitude,
The RVR Race Directors