Race for the Ribbon to be held July 15

“When I started the Race for the Ribbon 5K, I had no way to know if it was a one-time event or what it could grow into,” said Stephanie Shuttleworth. Each year the event has increased in number of participants and funds raised. This year is the 10th year the event has been held, and to date the event has raised over $105,000 for cancer research.

Shuttleworth started the race in May 2008 in honor of her mother, who died of breast cancer a few months prior. During the first several years, all proceeds went to the American Cancer Society. In 2012 a co-worker's daughter was battling cancer, and Shuttleworth had the idea that the event could benefit a local family in addition to the American Cancer Society. Shuttleworth says she is always “super excited to support a local family.”

This year's recipient is Gabriella Brittingham and her family. Gabriella, age 3, is the daughter of Shawn and Missy Brittingham of Lewes. She is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of childhood cancer. Since her diagnosis in October, she has been undergoing chemotherapy, and doctors removed her right leg to eliminate a tumor. Gabriella and her family frequently travel to A.I. duPont Children's Hospital in Wilmington, and their expenses include travel costs, lodging, transportation and lost time from work.

“We are overwhelmed with the support that we've received from the community,” said Missy Brittingham, “It's wonderful to hear that people will attend Race for the Ribbon to support Gabriella. We are very thankful for all that the community has done for Gabriella and our family.”

Gabriella's handprints are featured in the artwork for this year's event. The artwork was created by Rob Jennings, who works for Cape Henlopen School District.

The race keeps Shuttleworth, a special education teacher at H.O. Brittingham Elementary School, busy for many months each year. She sends out approximately 250 letters annually asking local businesses to sponsor the race. In response, she gets hundreds of sponsorships from businesses and individuals. 

Highlights of this year's race include live music from the band 3C North, a post-race breakfast buffet hosted and sponsored by The Greene Turtle, and a silent auction. Shuttleworth says the race is a fun event.

Shuttleworth's family, friends, and co-workers help as volunteers. Her extended family comes to the Cape Region for an entire week, including race day. Her brother creates the awards that are given out. Volunteers from the youth ministry at her church help with the water stations. “It is a community event, with lots of support from volunteers, sponsors, and participants,” said Shuttleworth. Race day is bittersweet, being an event in memory of her mother. “Each year it is an opportunity to reflect. It is hard not having her here, but I know she's watching over us.”

The race is an event in the summer racing series for the Seashore Striders. It is held in Rehoboth Beach and begins and ends at the corner of Wilmington Avenue and the Boardwalk. The post-race event is held at the Greene Turtle. Preregistration is available until Thursday, July 13, by mail or online at https://www.seashorestriders.com/race-schedule/10th-race-ribbon-5k-run-ssrs-event-9.  Registration will take place from 6 to 7:25 a.m. on race day. The race begins at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, July 15.