315 compete in Race for the Paws run in Dewey
Jake Sitler, 22, of Shippensburg, Pa., ran away with the third Race for the Paws 5K in Dewey Beach, leading 315 participants to the finish line in 16:20, while 22-year-old Kari Putterman of Lewes captured the female title in a time of 21:01.
Ethan Rissell, 21, also of Shippensburg, Pa., ran 17:14 for second, followed by high school runner Ricky Hernandez, 16, in 18:10. Rissell won the 20-24 age group, while Hernandez won the 14-19 age group. Christopher Stanley of Fruitland, Md., won the male masters in 18:46, while local Mary Beth Evans of Rehoboth Beach ran 21:25 to win the female masters division.
“We were thrilled with the number of participants this year. As a nonprofit organization that relies solely on donations, any community support and donations are greatly appreciated and will help our homeless pets in Delaware," said organizer Tara Lausch.
Organizer Cheryl Crowe added, “We were overwhelmed by the support from our community.” Results of the Paws 5K, a benefit for the SPCA, can be found at www.seashorestriders.com.
Extreme Makeover 5K Run
Several members of the running community came to me as soon as the word was out that the Extreme Makeover team was coming to Lewes with their show. The idea was to put together a run or walk event that the public could participate in with proceeds going to the family. I went to work and in five days we hosted the first and most likely last Extreme Makeover 5K Run & Walk Aug. 23 on the Junction and Breakwater Trail behind the Tanger Outlets. Amazingly, we had 150 participants, and after expenses are paid it looks like we will be donating nearly $2,000 to the cause.
Special thanks to Giant Foods, Pepsi, CAMP Rehoboth, Logomotive, The Seashore Striders, and Norco for pulling together and assisting with sponsorship or donating their time to the event. The T-shirts and medals, with the keepsake custom event logo, were popular items. Anyone is interested in purchasing either item should email Tim at tim@seashorestrider.com. The donation will be added to the amount raised. Special thanks to all the running & walking community that showed up for the event.
Strider Swirl
At the beginning of August, I spoke with buddy Chipper Hearn about getting his ice cream store on Rehoboth Avenue involved in the Striders races in some way. Chip, like the creative guy he is, has done it again. I received a call this week that he created an ice cream for the Striders called the Strider Swirl. Chip took his vanilla bean ice cream and made it yellow and added blueberry, making it a purple swirl to match the colors of the Seashore Striders. On Friday, Aug. 26, Cape Gazette day, the Strider Swirl will be available at his ice cream store located at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Free samples of the Strider Swirl will be available on Friday, or sign up for the Last Blast 5K to be held Saturday, Sept. 3, at The Grove Park to enjoy the Strider Swirl, teaming up with the Strider Bar from Surf Bagel for the post-race refreshments. Chipper - you’re the greatest!
Cross country update
The Henlopen Conference cross country season has begun with preseason practice five to six days a week for most teams. Sussex Central, Cape, Sussex Tech, and Indian River are all within a 10-mile radius of each other, which means that a lot of miles are being logged in a small area of the state. Several scrimmages are set for next week with the Lake Forest Invite, a huge 40-plus team meet, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, at Killens Pond State Park. The month of September is when the summertime mileage comes into effect and gives that extra jump start to getting in shape and racing well in October. Good luck, high school cross country.
Strider Youth to begin Aug. 30
The 21st season for the Seashore Strider Youth Cross Country Team will kick off from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30, at Fort Miles in Cape Henlopen State Park. All interested runners third through eighth grade are welcome to give it a try, as we will practice twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Make sure you have shorts, T-shirt, running shoes, water bottle, a park sticker, and a positive attitude when you arrive to practice.
Team Skyler & Buddies for a Wish
The Sunset 5K Trail Run and Fiesta will be held from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Hundley Beach House in Bethany Beach. The event will benefit two great events and two great teams: the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk (Team Skylar) and The Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Sea Colony Triathlon (Buddies for a Wish). This event is not your traditional 5K. Don’t expect to break your personal record. This is a fun run/walk for everyone. The race trail will wind through the Fresh Pond State Park and promises to be very scenic and fun. All participants will be greeted with finisher medals and an open bar with beer, wine, and jello shooters. Keep in mind…this is a fundraiser. Expect to have fun. RSVP to rick@bajabeachhouse.com or on the Facebook event page. RSVP is not required, but appreciated.
Upcoming races
Saturday, Aug. 27 - Ed Dean 4-Miler, 8 a.m., Fresh Pond State Park, Magnolia’s, Ocean View.
Sunday, Aug. 28 - Sundance 5K Run, 7:30 a.m., CAMP Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach.
