Big Gun Run a blast in Lewes
Hundreds of runners walked through Battery 519, past the 16-inch gun formerly on the USS Missouri and to the starting line amongst the former barracks of Fort Miles. From there, runners snaked through Cape Henlopen State Park’s trails, onto Cape Henlopen Drive, then west via Freeman Highway to Big Oyster Brewery.
The Big Gun Run was a rare point-to-point 4.25-mile race. Nearly 450 runners were shuttled back to the start after the race and post-race party.
Taking the top spot was Beau Croll, 31, of Lewes, who ran the course in 26:38, a 6:16 mile pace. Following Croll were Josh Simpson of Lewes in 26:53, Raymond Wright of Townsend in 27:04, Michael Marciano of Rehoboth Beach in 27:05, Bryan Malk of Lewes in 27:08 and Chris Sherman of Lewes in 28:07.
The top female finisher was Michele Karsnitz of Lewes, who finished seventh overall in a time of 28:10. Following her were Sara Bushey of Harrington in 31:05, Becky Gall of Wilmington in 31:08, Mardiny Ung of Elizabethtown, Pa., in 31:10, and Joanna Kolar of Rehoboth Beach in 31:14.
Blake Fitzgerald, 10, of Lewes won his age group in 28:29, while his female counterpart Bryn Rosenbach, 9, of Hanover, Pa., ran 33:29 to win her age group.
Jules Woodall, 70, of Lewes won the 70-and-older division with a time of 35:33. Joann Szczepkowski, 73, of Rehoboth Beach clocked a time of 38:25.
Two men, Ryan Peters and Matt Blakeman, ran the course in full firefighter gear.
The race benefited the Fort Miles Historical Association, which opened a new overlook outside Battery 519 for the race. The overlook offers extraordinary panoramic views and will soon be available to rent for events.
