Three runners break 27-minute mark in fast Seashore Y 5 Miler

The Seashore Y 5 Miler was held July 20 in the streets of Henlopen Acres and North Shores just north of Rehoboth Beach with just over 200 runners and walkers taking part in the 32nd annual event. Mike Meehan, 19, took the lead early and never trailed, running a tough race out front averaging a 5:13 per mile pace to break the tape in 26:05. Marathoner Michael Wardian of Arlington, Va., was second in 26:31 and the top master in the race. Chad Carr of Cambridge, Mass., was third in a time of 26:58, while Jeff Young of Wayne, Pa., finished in 28:10 for fourth. Wrapping up the top five was Sonny Landis of Selbyville in a time of 28:44.

On the female side of the coin, 13-year-old Ally Meehan finished 17th in the race in a time of 33:29. Joelle Chall of Silver Spring was the second female in 34:37, while Nicole Vasillu was third in 35:23. Olivia Mast was the fourth female in a time 35:28. Mardiny Ung won the female masters in a time of 37:05.

The annual 5 miler has become a tradition in Rehoboth Beach and is the second and last chance for runners to qualify for the Seashore Striders Racing Series. The series requirement is five 5K finishes and one 5-miler finish, which guarantees you an end-of-the-season award.

A nice addition to the Giant Fruit donation was the visit by Rita’s, which all the runners enjoyed following the race.

Cross Country Camp

The Sussex Tech Cross Country Camp was held this week on the Ravens home course, as I directed the camp and introduced the young runners to all aspects of the sport of cross country in a condensed version of four mornings.

Helping out as camp counselors were Derek Shockro, Enos Benbow and Andy Boyle, while Emily Ritter, Victor Jimenez and Benbow were the guest speakers who each shared much information ranging from hill running to trail surging to being iron deficient. Ritter is currently running for Rider University, where she owns the school record in the mile as well as the steeplechase. Jimenez is prepping for his freshman season at Goldey Beacom College in Wilmington. Benbow is a Sussex Central and Salisbury State University graduate who works for the Seashore Striders as well as having the talent to place in the top three runners in any starting line he chooses.

The athletes averaged just about five miles per day broken up into two workout sessions and mixed into an informative lecture at the beginning and the end with a guest speaker in the middle. The athletes learned the new Sussex Tech 3.1-mile course which includes a manmade hill that athletes will need to climb twice in the opening mile and once at the finish. Congratulations to all campers.

Race for the Ribbon 5K

One of the most popular events in Rehoboth Beach took place July 19, bringing out a nice field of 355 runners and walkers and lots of locals supporting a great cause. Mike Wardian won the male title in 16:24, while Jenna Farmer, 17, won the female title in 18:55. A silent auction took place during the post-race party held at Greene Turtle, where runners took a shot at winning some quality prizes all donated from the community. How about the Greene Turtle hosting a great post-race breakfast for the runners and walkers who took part in the event? Lastly, it was Team Shuttleworth, led by Stephanie Shuttleworth, Cape District Teacher of the Year, who again raised more than $10,000 for the cause and more than $60,000 in the last six years. A great event, a great time and a great cause.

Columbia Kids Triathlon

The Columbia Kids Triathalon in Columbia, Md., was held this past weekend with 450 kids from ages 7-15 taking part in two distances of the triathlon event. The older group competed in a 150-yard swim, a 6-mile bike and a 1-mile run, while the younger group competed in a 100-yard swim, a 4-mile bike, and a 1-mile run. Brock Diaz of Lewes, in his first triathlon, finished fourth in 34:58 in the 13-15 group.

Blake Hundley of Bethany Beach came in second in the 11-12 age group with the best run of the day in just over six minutes. Blake needed another quarter mile to catch the leader as he was gaining by the step.

Upcoming races

8 a.m., Saturday, July 26; 13th North Beach College Day 5K & Kiddie K; Dewey Beach.

7:30 a.m., Sunday, July 27; 17th Run for J.J. 5K Run & Walk; Stuart Kingston, Rehoboth Beach.

7:30 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 2; 31st Dam Mill 5K Run; Cupola Park, Millsboro.

8 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 3; 12th Highway One Group 10K & 5K; Dewey Beach.