Fritchman 5K is where circles of friends intersect
The seventh annual Kelly Fritchman 5K July 9 on the Irish Eyes course in Lewes was run under heavy humid conditions and won by a couple who are not only “going out” but “coming back” even faster.
Josh Hayman, 23, former Appoquinimink 4:19 miler, easily won the overall title in a time of 16:44, besting a field of 218 runners. Josh matriculated at Delaware and Syracuse University and admits to not training enough lately to achieve peak performance.
“I run about 30 minutes a day,” Josh said. “I don’t think I have another 4:18 mile in me, but breaking 17 is pretty good considering my limited training.”
Lindsay Prettyman, 24, was the overall women’s winner in 19:12. She is a former three-sport athlete at Saint Mark’s having played field hockey and lacrosse while later being recruited to running. Lindsay was on the 2010 Saint Mark’s lacrosse team that lost to Cape in the finals
“I ran 2:15 for the 800 and 5:10 in the mile at Delaware,” Prettyman said. “I have one more year in the physical therapy program and then I can join the workforce.” Prettyman was the Blue Hen Female Athlete of the Year her senior season.
Several members of the University of Delaware swim team ran in the race, which raises money for the Kelly Fritchman Scholarship. Head coach John Hayman was there cheering them on. Hayman has been the Blue Hens’ head coach for the last 27 years and was Kelly Fritchman’s coach when she swam for the University of Delaware.
Joann Szczepkowski, 70, set an age group state record in the race, running 26:05 to break the old record of 26:26 set by Bonnie McCloe in 2012. Joann also owned the 10K record and will chase the five-mile record of 52:59 set by the legendary Becky Yencharis in 1992.
The top five leaderboard for men were Josh Hayman in 16:44, Ryan Lockett in 17:45, John Costello in 19:06, Ryan Nowakowski in 19:12 and Conner David in 19:22.
The top five on the women’s leaderboard after Lindsay Prettyman were Deja Santigo in 20:11. Sara Stephens in 22:05, Karen Sposato in 22:19 and Holly Krantz in 22:54.
Sara Stevens ran her 22:05 pushing a stroller with her son Mason on board.
The Fritchman race began seven years ago to honor Kelly who passed away from cystic fibrosis at the age of 32. The nucleus of the race is filled with Kelly’s friends and family along with Dewey Beach Patrol members and the Delaware swim team and the matrix of people connected to those groups.
Melanie Fritchman, 13, ran 35:52.
Some field hockey/lacrosse athletes who ran in the race included Katie Giles in 24:09, Amanda Sponaugle in 25:42, Kiva Walsh in 26:05 and Maggie Delp in 24:05.
The male 10-13 age group was won by Brexton Carter, 11, in 20:57, with Logan Serpico, 11, second in 25:09.
Liam Zolper, 16, sporting his trimmed-down body, ran 25:28 while 6-foot-6 Brent Reed, 18, ran 28:24.
Mark Moore, an outside linebacker on the 2003 Delaware team, ran 21:22 and looked too fit for football.
A race to the finish took place between best friends Todd Fritchman, 51, in 24:50 and Chris Antonio, 47, in 24:51.
“I’ve never beaten him and thought today I had him lined up,” Antonio said.
