Darby Dash welcomes 99 runners from 9 to 90
“Every dog is the greatest dog” - James Frederick.
The first Darby Dash 5K was held Oct. 17 at Cape Henlopen State Park, attracting 99 runners and an array of doodle dogs, designer dogs, and many rescues and mongrels.
Individualized handmade doggie awards created by Half Stockley went to the winners in each age group.
Darby Dog, whose daily saga was followed on social media by thousands of dog lovers, passed away Sept. 28 at the age of 15.
Darby Dog, who refused to cross the rainbow bridge because there were no people on it, came from the high grass and spare engine parts of Matt’s Car Care 15 years ago. Darby was a second-generation Doodle before they were cool, but also posed as a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Golden Retriever.
Bryan Mack, 31, was the overall winner in 19:07. He was followed by Harrison Dabbs ,15, in 20:36 and and masters winner John Costello, 60, in 20:37.
Katie Kuhlman, 16, was the overall women’s winner in 22:03. Payton Stanislav, 15, was second female in a time of 22:45. Dawn Head, 42, was the masters winner in a personal best time of 22:48.
“We put together an amazing race in just two weeks, because I knew so many people followed the saga of Darby Dog,” said Race Director Tim Bamforth. “No doubt the Darby Dash will be staying on the race calendar.”
