Striders present checks to multiple charities and organizations

This week I had the pleasure of having dinner with one of my favorite couples, Tom and Charlene Jones of Irish Eyes. We reminisced about the summer and told stories of the past. I was in Milton attending the Milton Night Out celebration, which was packed with people, forcing me to park over a half-mile away from Irish Eyes. A great thing for a town that is alive again.  

Tom, Charlene and I decided to present a check to the Milton Little League organization to help with the expenses as the boys travel to Eastern Regionals this weekend. The $1,000 check was from the proceeds of two Irish Eyes events produced with the Seashore Striders. Another $1,500 check was also presented from Irish Eyes to the teams. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Earlier in the day, I was with Stephanie Shuttleworth, race organizer of the Race for the Ribbon 5K that was held in July, as we made a presentation to the American Cancer Society for $10,183 and to Maryjo Brinsen for $3,000. The third check will go to Delaware Hospice for $1,000, making a grand total of $15,397 for Stephanie and her team.  

The Striders will close out the week by presenting two more checks, this time to the Good Ole Boys Foundation for $201.69 from the Dam Mill proceeds to the YMCA for $225.78 from the Seashore 5-Miler.

When I was running for coach Fred Sowerby, who competed in the 1976 Summer Games in the 400 meters, I remember him telling our team, “Your day is not complete until you do something for another.” I remember his words as I see a donation, large or small, lift up a person or group in need.   Thanks to all the participants who make this happen.

Dam Mill highlights

One hundred sixty-nine runners took off from the starting line for the 33rd annual Dam Mill 5K in Millsboro July 30 in a town that was shut down for the safety of the runners. Following the shady, fast and flat course, runners socialized in the park, enjoying watermelon, bananas and grapes from Giant, Hopkins ice cream and the sounds of DJ Padraig at the controls. Longtime runner Breck Vanderwende of Bridgeville was added to the Hall of Fame, and a state record was set by JoAnne Sczcepkowski in the 70-74 age group, running 25:55. A nice start to a great Saturday at the beach.

Rio Olympics to start this weekend

If you are on the track, you are pretty safe as long as you don’t get bitten. If you’re in the water, triathlon swimming or rowing, the word is “do not put your head under water and keep your mouth closed.” My favorite athlete, Matt Centrowitz, will run the 1,500 meters. Matt used to come to Rehoboth Beach and race the Run for JJ 5K with his family back when he was 9 years old. He was actually beaten by 9-year-old Seashore Strider Evan Mock. My most inspiring athlete, Bernard Lagat, made his fifth Olympic team at the age of 41 with a 52-second final 400 and will race the 5,000 meters. If Lagat is on, he can kick with the best.

Run for the Paws 5K

The annual Run for the Paws 5K will be held Saturday, Aug. 6, in Dewey Beach, beginning at 8 a.m. from Northbeach with registration at the Starboard beginning at 6:30 a.m. Pick up your number and shirt at CrossFit Rehoboth, located across from Schell Brothers and Big Fish on Route 1 from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday. Arrive early and remember that the start and the finish are a half-mile away from each other. As of Wednesday evening, 243 participants were registered for the event. Support a great cause!

Upcoming races

• Saturday, Aug. 6, Run for the Paws 5K, 8 a.m., Dewey Beach, www.seashorestriders.com
• Sunday, Aug. 7, Dewey Beach 5K Buddy Run, 8:10 a.m., Dewey Beach www.teambestbuddies.org
• Sunday, Aug. 7, second annual Athletes To End Alzheimer’s 5K, 7:30 a.m., Bethany Beach, www.alzrun.com.