Chilly weather not ideal for spring track teams

This month is considered March Madness, but not because of basketball, in my eyes. It is March Madness because of the brutal cold and wind that we track coaches are facing.

It is a difficult task trying to motivate 100 middle school athletes to train in this weather, especially when half of them show up in T-shirts and shorts. I met with Cape Henlopen High School coach George Pepper the other day after practice, and we both agreed that it is not too fun in this weather, plus this is one of the worst weather starts to a track season we have ever had.

My Beacon Middle School track teams are out braving the weather as we prepare for our first meet next Friday, March 23, against Mariner, Georgetown and Millsboro.

The Beacon high jump pits – three of them hooked together – were picked up in last week’s storm and thrown about 400 feet to the other side of the track during the storm. It would take 12 to 15 boys to lift those three mats together, and Mother Nature lifted them with her finger.

Beacon and Mariner are looking for adult helpers with some track and field knowledge who can help produce the meet at Cape next Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. If interested, contact me at timothy.bamforth@cape.k12.de.us, and I thank you in advance. 

Irish Eyes 6-Pack Series

The opening event of the fourth annual Irish Eyes 6-Pack Series is set for Saturday, May 12, in Lewes, with the ninth annual Seashore Classic Half Marathon & 5K stepping off at 8 a.m. Participants must finish all six events in the series to be eligible for awards to be presented at Last Blast 5K in September. Here is a look at the six events in the series:                                                                                                                                                                                            

• Sunday, May 12 – Seashore Classic Half Marathon and 5K, Lewes, 8 a.m.

• Saturday, June 2 – Doug Strong Memorial 5K, Lewes, 7:30 a.m.

• Sunday, June 3 – Rehoboth Beach Run for Economics 5K, Rehoboth Beach, 7:30 a.m. 

• Saturday, June 9 – DFRC Blue-Gold 5K & 1-Mile Walk, Lewes, 8 a.m. 

• Saturday, June 16 – Irish Eyes 5K Dash, Milton, 8 a.m. 

• Sunday, June 17 – Fathers Day 5K, Rehoboth Beach, 7:30 a.m.

There are three changes this time around for the Irish Eyes Series. Runners must finish the race and not just register for the race for it to count. Runners who may not be able to make a 5K can elect to do the half marathon May 12 instead of a 5K and it will count as two races. Lastly, the title sponsor of the series is Walk Smart Arrive Alive DE. 

Shamrock Shuffle 15K/5K

This Sunday morning at the Junction & Breakwater Trail behind the Seaside Tanger Outlets will be the running of the 12th annual Shamrock Shuffle 15K and 5K, beginning at 9 a.m. Parking will be on the south side of the parking lot, as construction has engulfed the north side.

The course takes the runners north on the trail toward Lewes. The 5K will turn around just after the bridge over the canal, while the 15K will continue north over Wolfe Neck Road, through the Hawkseye and Breakwater developments and onto the trail on Gills Neck Road. The 15K turnaround will be once the runners reach Kings Highway along the trail.

Race-day registration and preregistration pickup will begin at 8 a.m. at the start location. Awards will be presented to the overall and masters winners in each race, as well as the top three age-group finishers. The 15K would be a great long run for those training for the Seashore Classic in early May.

For more information, go to www.seashorestriders.com.