Virtual Passaic River Challenge with GSWA
Run/Walk/Bike/Roll 80 Miles in 65 Days
MORRISTOWN, NEW JERSEY (February 7, 2022) — Great Swamp Watershed Association (GSWA) announced today they have launched a fundraiser that is new to the organization. Registration is now open for GSWA’s Source to Sea Virtual Challenge to run, walk, bike, or roll the length of the Passaic River – 80 miles. Participants will have 65 days to complete the challenge from anywhere in the world and at their own pace beginning Saturday, March 12 and ending Sunday, May 15. Register at GreatSwamp.org/events.
“I wanted to introduce a unique way to get people moving while educating them about the Passaic River, an important New Jersey resource that provides drinking water to over 2 million people,” stated Kate Barry, GSWA Trustee. “The beautiful thing about a virtual challenge is that it can be done indoors or outside from literally anywhere in the world.”
The event kicks off March 12 and is open to anyone at most any fitness level. Each individual will determine how best to complete the challenge. Suggested options are to run, walk, bike, or roll. Participants are encouraged to get creative by any means that is fueled by their own power in a way that they can measure their mileage.
After each completed activity, participants will enter their mileage on the challenge website that tracks their progress. Every 10 miles achieved will prompt a notification that shares interesting facts about their virtual ‘current location’ along the Passaic River that begins at Millington Gorge in Long Hill Township, where the headwaters exit the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and ends at Newark Bay.
“This challenge is easier than you may think,” said Ms. Barry. “For example, doing an activity every day of the challenge equates to ~1.2 miles per day for 65 days. We do ask that these are planned activities vs. counting daily steps. So, whether you walk your dog, roller skate, swim, or shovel snow – track it!”
The $35 registration fee includes a fun, commemorative t-shirt. Additionally, all who complete the challenge within the 65-day time period will receive a complimentary ticket to GSWA’s 5th Annual Great Swamp Great Music Festival (a $25 value) taking place on Sunday, May 22 in Chatham Twp., NJ. More information and registration link at GreatSwamp.org/events.
This is GSWA’s first of several fundraiser events planned for 2022. Following the success of GSWA’s 2021’s event and in partnership with 24+ towns and supporting organizations, the second annual GSWA Native Pollinator Plant Sale opens April 1 with the goal of improving the Great Swamp watershed one yard at a time. The 5th Annual Great Swamp Great Music festival is set for Sunday, May 22 at Giralda Farms in Chatham Twp.
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