Lewes firefighters to run Stop, Drop and Run 5K in full gear June 11

Most race participants choose the lightest, most comfortable clothes to compete in, but Lewes volunteer firefighters Robbie Stephens, Aidan Gause, Dylan Sharp and Trevor Feist will be stepping into their full turnout gear to run in the Stop, Drop and Run Memorial 5K Sunday, June 11.

The team will be running in memory of their friend and fellow firefighter, Tim McClanahan, who died tragically last year. The money raised from this event will be used to purchase a life-saving ventilation tool for Lewes' new fire engine.

"We hope other fire departments will take up the challenge and run for Tim," said Gause. "We are also hoping to win the happy hour on the Cape Water Taxi!"  

A structural firefighter’s uniform is called Personal Protective Equipment, or turnout gear. In total, a firefighter’s basic PPE includes helmet, hood, bunker pants, coat, gloves and air pack, and weighs about 45 pounds. The heavy leather boots complete with steel shanks and toes are 16 inches tall and are designed primarily for protection, not mobility. The LFD Team will be opting for their running shoes. “No need to have blisters. We need to be ready for a real emergency.”  

The third annual Stop, Drop and Run Memorial 5K will be held Sunday, June 11, starting and finishing at the Lewes Fire Station, 347 Savannah Road. The Firefighter Challenge is an added feature to this year's event, but the race is open to all.

The 5K course, for runners and walkers, is a fast-and-flat residential route through the beautiful, tree-lined streets of Lewes. The LFD Auxiliary mascot, Sparky, will announce the Kiddie-K, free for children 8 and under. The Kiddie-K will start at 8:15 a.m., with the 5K commencing at 8:30. Details about the race and the Firefighter Challenge can be found at www.races2run.com/events/stop-drop-run-5k/ or www.lewesfire.com.   

A post-race party will immediately follow with food, including Pat's Pizza, Royal Farms fried chicken and Surf Bagel. Beer and a signature champagne drink will be available for those 21 and older. Firefighters, the Fire Prevention Team and, of course, Sparky, will be present to show children of all ages the fire trucks and firefighting equipment. Non-runners can attend the after-race party for $5 on race day. More information and registration applications for this race can be found at www.races2run.com.    

For information about this event, email lfdaux@gmail.com or call 302-329-9396.