Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon highlights busy March race calendar

The second annual Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon will be held Saturday, March 23, in Cape Henlopen State Park. The Run-A-Thon is held in partnership with Beebe Medical Foundation and raises funds to support colorectal cancer awareness programs in our local area. The event is organized by local runner Gavin Furlong, who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2021 and was successfully treated at Beebe Healthcare. Traditionally a disease that did not require screening until an individual reaches 50 years old, colorectal cancer rates in this country continue to rise, particularly for young adults in their 30s and 40s. Knowing the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer is your best defense. When detected early, colorectal cancer is very treatable. More information on the disease from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can be found at cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/index.htm.

Last year’s Run-A-Thon saw Furlong take on a personal challenge of covering 100 miles in under 24 hours, completing six 17-mile loops from Lewes to Rehoboth. This year’s event is designed for all to participate. The Run-A-Thon will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the course will be a 5K loop thru scenic Cape Henlopen State Park. Participants are welcome to run or walk as many 5K loops as they wish during the event. At the time of writing, event sponsors have pledged to donate $10 for each 5K loop completed, so the more participants who attend and the more loops completed, the more funds will be raised. 

Those wanting to participate can sign up as individuals or in teams of four. There will be awards for the male, female and team that complete the most laps during the event. For those who cannot participate in the event but still want to contribute to the cause, there is a donate link, as well as an option to sign up as a volunteer, on the race page at runsignup.com/Race/DE/Lewes/BlueRibbonRunAThon.

March Madness

The March Madness of road racing is just around the corner, with some popular events that always draw a decent early spring crowd coming off the dog days of winter. Here is a look at March events in the area.

Sunday, March 3 - 19th annual Tim Kennard River Run 10-Miler and 5K. This event is in Salisbury, Md., starting at 8:30 a.m. and has been a spring tradition for the last 19 years, raising funds now for Team 360 and in memory of runner and friend Tim Kennard. Both races will start together from Salisbury Bible Fellowship Church.   

Sunday, March 10 - 11th annual Lucky Leprechaun 5K. This is a hometown event, and Milton turns the town green; more than 500 runners came out last year. The race will kick off the day at 11 a.m., and the parade will follow in the early afternoon. The 5K will start behind Irish Eyes. Parking is always a challenge, so arrive early and plan to stay put for the day.

Saturday, March 16 - 16th annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Denton, Md., beginning at 9 a.m. and following a simple out-and-back course through town. Participants can also choose the 1-mile walk, or the young ones can do the 200-meter kiddie dash. The race raises money to help families send their children to summer camp and other programs.

Sunday, March 17 - 18th annual Shamrock Shuffle 10-Miler, 5K and Two-Person Relay. This event is at beautiful Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes beginning at 9 a.m. The course will start at the main beach parking lot and follow the trails through Fort Miles, Herring Point and the turnaround at Gordons Pond. Many runners use this event as a training run for the Seashore Classic Half Marathon held in early May. Not ready for the full 10 miles? No problem. Grab a partner and jump in the relay at only five miles each.

Saturday, March 23 - Inaugural Sandhill Fun Run, to be held at Sandhill Fields in Georgetown beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, go to races2run.com.

Sunday, March 24 - Inaugural Heart & Soles 5K Run/Walk, beginning at 9 a.m. at Sussex Academy in Georgetown. This is a school senior project put together by Bri Sordi and raising funds for the American Heart Association. The out-and-back course will use the new trail that goes toward the town of Georgetown.

Saturday, March 30 - 12th annual Bunny Palooza 5K and 1-Mile Walk. This race will be held in Bethany Beach beginning at 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation; for more info, go to races2run.com.