Sonja Friend-Uhl adds a 3K National Masters title
Sonja Friend-Uhl of the Atlantic Track Club, a former Rehoboth Beach Patrol member and Cape Henlopen graduate, won the women’s exhibition 3,000 meters June 27 at the USA Open Nationals in Eugene, Ore. Her time of 9:48.16 was short of Carmen Troncoso’s women's American record of 9:27.45. Sonja enters a new age group in March when she turns 45 and is a good bet to challenge the listed American record of 9:57.27 by Monica Joyce set in 2004. Sonja easily outran the field including Grace Padilla and Andi Camp who are well known in the Masters World.
I watched the race three times, and the back-to-back splits Sonja turned in were very consistent when compared to the rest of the field. Sonja raced like a 30-year-old, and it was very evident that she was the strongest, leanest and most talented runner in the race. I really do not see anyone in the United States beating her for many more years. At the end of July, the Masters Championship will be in Jacksonville, Fla., and I am sure Sonja will be ready to toe the line.
One week I am watching local Emily Ritter in my living room and the next week I am watching Sonja Friend. It does not get better than that. Congratulations, girls.
Degnan 5K turns 20 years old
The Bill Degnan 5K was held June 28 at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes with many family, friends and supporters showing up for the event that turned 20 years old. The field of just over 100 runners and walkers snuck out the rear of the school to Savannah Road and did a large Savannah Road to Kings Highway loop before turning in to the school at the three-mile mark and finishing by the front doors.
“This was a different course than the normal one we run, but most of the runners liked this one better,” said Dr. Lee Masser of the Seashore Striders. This year's scholarship winners were Madison MacElrevey and Sam Young of the Cape Henlopen track & field team.
Mike DiGennaro from Wilmington won the men’s race in 16:32 to average 5:19 per mile, while Ryan Wilson, a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, was second in 17:59.9 and winner of the 14-19 age group. Steve Eshelman of Lincoln was third in 18:10 and winner of the 20-24 age group. Dani DiGennaro, also of Wilmington, won the women's race in 21:18.
Special thanks to all the runners and walkers who turned out to support coach Bill Degnan and the 20th annual event. Weather was rough early on the Striders team, but as the gun went off at 7:34 sharp, the sun was out. Special medals were given to all the participants in honor of the 20th annual. Also a shout out to the Striders runners who took part in the Striders Summer XC Series 3K run following the 5K. As Bill would have said, "You look beautiful today, boys and girls."
Triple crown results
Sixteen runners completed the Triple Crown Series, which consisted of three races, three towns and three days. The Georgetown Library 5K, the Irish Eyes 5K and the Father's Day 5K made up the series. Martin Rodriguez and Kim Geyer led the way with the fastest combined times, and the following will be presented with free “I completed the Triple Crown Series” T-shirts at a future Seashore Striders event. Congratulations to the following: Martin Rodriguez, Kim Geyer, Deb Heizel, Brian McGuire, Tina Foskey, Jack Vassalotti, Cindy Redefer, Georgette O’Cone, Mike Firch, Deborah Rementer, Leeann Waltz, Stephanie Short, Alyssa Simon, Dr. Lee Masser, Roxy Castillo and Robbin Wells.
Upcoming races
Saturday July 4 - 25th Beach Paper Firecracker 5K, Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach, 7:30 a.m., seashorestriders.com.
Sunday, July 5 - 25th Dave Reynolds Swim/Run Biathlon, Rehoboth Beach Patrol, Rehoboth Beach, 8 a.m., seashorestriders.com.
Sunday, July 5 - 12th Outlet Liquors at the Rusty Rudder 5K, Dewey Beach, 8 a.m., races2run.com.
