Trap Pond Park to host Wild Goose Chase 5K May 19

The first Wild Goose Chase 5K Run & 1M Walk will be held at Trap Pond State Park this Sunday, May 19, starting at 9:30 a.m. from the Bald Cypress Nature Center area of the beautiful park in Laurel. The event is in memory of Christopher ”Goose” Kay with proceeds to benefit the Kay Children Trust Fund. The event will take in the American Holly Trail as well as the Loblolly Trail with an out-and-back, scenic 5K course. Registration starts at 8 a.m. from the screened-in pavilion just south of the nature center. Once inside the park, follow Seashore Striders signs to the event. Park entrance fees will be in effect if you do not have a state of Delaware park sticker. Awards will be presented to the overall, masters and top three finishers in the following age groups: 9 & U, 10-13, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & O. Unisex tech Ts are guaranteed to the first 100 preregistered participants. A great cause, a great guy, the Striders will see you at the starting line.

Maull on top again

Cape graduate Kai Maull was on top of the nation in 1997 as he won the Penn Relays long jump title as well as the National High School Championships, jumping nearly 25 feet. Kai went on to Clemson University and became a college All-American, helping the Tigers to multiple ACC championships over his four-year career in South Carolina. Kai returned home to coach the jumpers at Cape Henlopen before moving on to become the coach of St. Georges Tech outside Middletown. In just his third year, Kai is on top again, this time as a coach of some pretty fast young men under his direction.  On May 11 at Wilmington’s Baynard Stadium, Maull had the fastest 400-meter relay team, setting a new school record of 42.57, as well as the fastest 800-meter relay team, setting another school record of 1:29.56. The 42.57 performance is currently the 12th fastest all-time in the state, and the amazing thing is that it was done with three sophomores and a freshman. The qualifying time for the High School Nationals in North Carolina is 43.04, and these boys need to be in that meet. What a future this young foursome may have. Congratulations, coach Kai Maull.

Race a mile

The mile run, or the 1,600-meter metric mile, is one of the most exciting events at a track meet, and at professional meets it is the event that is most anticipated. Andrew Weir, a frequent racer with the Seashore Striders, ran the 1,600 meters in 4:46 this season for his middle school team, while my son Ben raced 5:01 for Beacon Middle. Seventh-grader Logan Shuttleworth ran 5:40 this spring, while high schooler Austin MacElrevey PRed at 4:33.0 last weekend. Dylan Varrato of Tech ran his PR also at 4:32.8, winning by a lean, while Maddie MacElrevey ran a 5:40 in the mile on the girls' side. Freshman sensation Roxanne Ramirez of Sussex Tech ran 5:19 last weekend for her all-time best in the event. In 1984 I ran 4:26.6 at Dover High; it was one of the hardest races I ever ran, and I did not even finish in the top three. In 1989, at the MEAC 5,000- meter championships, I ran the opening mile in 4:24 and - well, we won't discuss the rest of that race. The mile is a special event that you can walk, jog, or race depending on who you are and what your ability level is. Why not give the mile a try Friday, May 24, in Milton and you might surprise yourself with your performance. Anyone can finish a mile!

Remembering Mom

The Mother's Day Remembrance 5K Run took place between the raindrops and black clouds May 11 in Lewes as just under 100 runners and walkers took to the streets for the 3.1-mile loop through town. Returning 20:34 later and first across the finish line was 25-year-old Chris Wright, winning the overall male title, while Jennifer Perkovich of Joppa, Md., ran 23:42 to win the overall female title.

Tony Garcia of Millsboro was second in 21:06, while Jim Rabatin, also of Millsboro, rounded out the top three finishers in 21:11 to win the male masters title.

Michael Hobbs of Bridgeville was second among females in 24:19, while Monique Bamforth won the female masters in 24:34, paced on Mother's Day by her 13-year-old son Ben, who recently raced a 5:01 for his Beacon Middle track team. Congratulations to all finishers and special thanks to my Striders helpers who jumped into the awards ceremony for me as I ran to rescue a runaway 12-by-12 tent in the storm.

Upcoming races

First Wild Goose Chase 5K Run & 1M Walk, 9:30 a.m., Sunday, May 19, Trap Pond State Park, Laurel.

Fourth DE-Feet Breast Cancer 5K Run, 8:30 a.m., Sunday, May 19, Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Beach.

Second Milton Mile, 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 24, Milton Wesleyan Church, Milton.

20th Masser 5-Miler, 7:30 a.m., Sunday, May 26, Cape Henlopen High School, Lewes.