DEWITTVILLE — Sixty-one participants enjoyed spring weather and a COVID-safe outdoor run and walk in the 170-acre forest at YMCA Camp Onyahsa.

Runners and hikers participated in a 5K Bigfoot event on a hilly, wooded trail while walkers engaged in a 2K walk on the camp’s lakefront campus. All funds raised will help Onyahsa to maintain operations amid ongoing COVID-19 challenges.

While on the trails, participants, ages 9 through 78, who saw “Bigfoot” and took his photo, were entered into a drawing for one of five gift baskets. Several families joined the fun, while the camp benefited from over a dozen volunteers plus the professional services of the Dewittville Fire Department and the Maple Springs Fire Department.

No injuries or incidents were experienced.

Dave Reinhardt of Trackqua timed the event.

The top runners were Adam Rowe and Katie Zwald. Emily Goerke and Mark Wilson received the Bigfoot Good Sportsmanship Awards.

Sponsorship to this fundraiser included Johnson Estate Winery, Lakeside Apparel, Guppy’s Restaurant and Tavern, Brigiotta’s Farmland Produce, Century 21-Sandra Calalesina, the Glatz Insurance Agency, We Wan Chu Cottages, Holiday Valley, Southern Tier Screen Print and Upstate Farms.

Camp Director Jon O’Brian expressed gratitude for the volunteer help and sponsor support.

“The second year of COVID challenges continue to have a financial impact on organizations like our not-for-profit overnight youth camp,” O’Brien said. “This fundraiser and others scheduled for later 2021 will help Onyahsa to provide safe, healthy, and happy camp experiences for youth and families in our 123rd year.”

Camp Onyahsa will offer limited capacity overnight youth camp, kids’ day camps, and family camp all summer. For more information, contact the camp office at 664-2802, ext. 238 or via www.onyahsa.org.