Kelly J. Fritchman 5K to support scholarship fund July 14
For the past two years, friends, family and fitness buffs have gathered at Irish Eyes in Lewes to participate in a 5K race to honor a woman who used athletics to fend off a disease called cystic fibrosis.
Kelly J. Fritchman was born with CF - a genetic disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system and carries a life expectancy of 30 years or less - but she refused to let it stop her from living life on her terms.
Kelly was a Division I swimmer, lifeguard and fitness enthusiast who ran, swam, biked and lifted weights to stay healthy and extend her life. She was a mother of two children and a true inspiration to those of us who knew her. Unfortunately, Kelly succumbed to complications of CF in 2009, but she lives on through an annual 5K race that raises money for a swim scholarship to be awarded to a University of Delaware swim team member who demonstrates exemplary character. This year’s 5K is set for 8 a.m., Saturday July 14, at Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant at 213 Anglers Road in Lewes.
The race will feature awards for overall male and female winners plus the top three in 10-year age groups from 9 and under through 70-plus. There will also be awards for the top three male and female walkers, so if you’re not ready for a 5K, you can still participate and show your support for a great cause.
Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the race will begin promptly at 8 a.m., so get there early if you have not already preregistered. This year there will be no parking permitted on Savannah or Anglers roads so the local fishermen can access their boats at the marina. Instead, participants will be encouraged to park at the Beach One lot behind Dairy Queen and walk to the event location at the Irish Eyes parking lot. After the race, Irish Eyes will host a post-race party featuring beer, refreshments and a Bloody Mary bar that’s always a lot of fun for all who attend.
The cost of the race is $25, and if you can’t make it or want to make an additional donation to you can go to www.udaf.udel.edu and click on “make a gift now.” After entering your information, scroll down to gift information and specify that you are making a gift in memory of Kelly J. Fritchman.
The race will be a very fitting way to celebrate the life of a woman who used physical fitness to overcome a disease and gain better quality of life. More importantly, it will help another young person fulfill his or her dreams by funding a University of Delaware swim team scholarship.
For more information about the race go to races2run.com or contact Wayne Kursh at 302-654-6400 or wayne@races2run.com. We hope to see you there!
