Looking for a good reason to work out?

If you’re looking for a good excuse to work out and you want to support an excellent cause, come join us this Saturday and run the 4th Annual Kelly J. Fritchman 5K at Irish Eyes in Lewes.

This race was created to celebrate the amazing life of Kelly Fritchman, who died at 32 years of age from a disease called cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system and eventually leads to loss of life. Kelly was diagnosed with CF at 5 months old, and her mother was told that Kelly’s life expectancy would likely span into her early teens, but Kelly had other plans, and she lived to become a wife, mother of two and friend of many.

I can personally attest to the strong will and character that Kelly possessed and was privileged to be her friend and trainer. I worked out with her and witnessed her will to live and her positive attitude. She never complained, and regardless of how sick she became everything in her eyes was a minor setback that could be solved with more work and dedication.

Despite her condition, Kelly was able to become a Division I swimmer for the University of Delaware’s swim team, where she used exercises and hard work to stay healthy and live a longer life. After Kelly passed, friends and family worked together to establish a scholarship in her name to be awarded to an outstanding member of the University of Delaware swim team.

To fulfill this goal, a sum of $50,000 was needed before the scholarship could be awarded, and a good turnout for this year’s race should do the trick. The fund currently holds $48,000, so if you run this year you will not only be contributing to a worthy cause, but more than likely helping a lucky swimmer pay for the next four years of college at the University of Delaware.

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 their dreams.

Come join us and celebrate the life of Kelly Fritchman by participating in the race this Saturday, July 13, at Irish Eyes in Lewes. Registration starts at 7 a.m. and the race will begin promptly at 8 a.m. If you are not a runner you can still contribute by walking the course. There is also a kiddie K so bring your little athletes.

You may also make a tax-deductible gift by writing a check to University of Delaware Athletic Fund, with reference in the memo section for the Kelly J. Fritchman Swimming Scholarship. Then send the check to 239 Bob Carpenter Center, Newark, DE 19716.

For more information about the race, contact Wayne Kursh at 302-654-6400 or wayne@races2run.com.