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Coastal Delaware Running Festival a multi-sports celebration

Weather so nice, why not run twice?
April 26, 2018

The Coastal Delaware Running Festival produced four races over two days, including a 5K in Dewey Beach April 21 followed on April 22 by a 9K, half marathon and full marathon, all starting and finishing at Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk.

The total number of runners who started races were 3,457, with some doubling down by running a 5K on Saturday, then the distance of their choice on Sunday.  

Race bibs have computer chips and are color-coded with numbers and first names generated. Notably, some runners sign up for a marathon, then elect to turn around and run the half instead. But somehow the system and the people who operate it shake it down and sort it all out.

Focus Multisports produces the event, with proceeds benefiting the Seashore Preservation Foundation and Delaware Seashore State Park.

The race format included the Cape Challenge (5K and 9K), Fort Miles Challenge (5K and half marathon) and Tower Challenge (5K and marathon).

There are pacers carrying signs in the half and full marathons. These volunteers get their entry comped for running a long distance with one arm in the air while helping others stay on pace.

The faces of Focus Multiports are Rick Hundley and Ernie Felici, USATF race directors. Based in Bethany Beach, the nonprofit puts on nine events per year and raises tens of thousands of dollars for charity.

The Coastal Running Festival does not recruit elite runners or offer prize monies. The athletes at the front of races are fast enough, but the festival has more of a sports focus on runners out to challenge themselves while rocking fitness with friends.

Go to codelrun.com for a complete listing of expanded results.

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