Race for the Ribbon 5K benefits local Katie Arietta
For the last 16 years, the Race for the Ribbon 5K has raised funds to assist families and individuals affected by cancer. The race was started in 2007 with local organizer Stephanie Shuttleworth leading the way, and she has raised thousands of dollars over her 15 years as organizer. The event has also honored the memory of Nancy Hendershot, Shuttleworth’s mother, since the very beginning. One of the most popular 5K races moved from Rehoboth to Lewes this year, starting at the Hawk Watch in Cape Henlopen State Park. It was also the second event in the Seashore Striders Summer Championship Series. Proceeds for this year’s event benefitted our local friend Katie Arietta, who is battling melanoma.
“This past Sunday was definitely one of the most bright, sunniest days I have had in a while,” said Arietta. “The Race for the Ribbon brought together so many people – some that I know and some that I didn’t – all with smiles, some with stories and others just happy to go for a run on a beautiful morning at the beach. I feel so extremely blessed to have been invited to this gathering, as I am racing in my own way with my mind and heart, a host of doctors and treatments to beat the nasty cancer that has turned my world upside down. There aren’t enough thank-yous in the world to express the gratitude I have for everyone that showed up, ran, donated, wished a happy thought, or even just smiled at a stranger this weekend. Thank you all so much for such a good day.”
Tim Pagano, 38, of Lewes won the male overall title in a time of 17:59.7, while 42-year-old Martin Rodriguez of Selbyville was just over a minute back in 19:02.9 for second place and first in the masters division. Quade Cummings, 14, of Milford was third in 21:02.7, while 27-year-old Kristin Schaen of Milton won the female overall championship in a time of 21:53.7. The female masters win went to 46-year-old Susan Dunn of Laurel in a time of 23:26.0.
Axel Cross, 4, jumped from the stroller to run his first 5K in 1:02:44, while 9-year-old Lucy Applegate of Spotsylvania, Va., won the 9-and-under division in a nice time of 23:38.9. One of the closest age groups was the 65-69 females, as Cathy Haut of Lewes won the division in 33:21, while second went to Karen Johnston of Newark at 33:38. Bernie Gallagher, 83, of Rehoboth Beach won the 80-and-over age group in 56:39.6, while Jack Noel of Lewes was timed in 1:07:57.1. Heather Baray of Milford and Paul Buchness of Lewes, longtime fast friends of Katie Arietta, walked the 5K in her support in 1:09:24.
Triathlon season
Ironman Boulder is this weekend, and that’s where the pros will be, while Eagleman in Cambridge, Md., will hit the water at 6 a.m. this Sunday for the half-ironman. The Dave Reynolds Biathlon is open for registration in early July, while Ironman Lake Placid will be mid-July in Lake Placid, N.Y., which will be the first full Ironman for Jake Bamforth of Colorado.
Good Deed Laurie
