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5K gives public first look at North Millsboro Bypass

Runners and walkers trek on carless road before its late-September opening
Runners and walkers take advantage of the rare opportunity to race on a carless highway at the North Millsboro Bypass 5K Sept. 13. NICK ROTH PHOTOS
September 13, 2025

The new North Millsboro Bypass was a vast, open roadway with no painted lines and no cars Sept. 13, as nearly 300 people got a rare opportunity to run or walk on the long-awaited highway before it opens to traffic later this month. 

The two-lane, 2.8-mile Millsboro connector road project, which was decades in the planning, is winding down after nearly two years of construction. Crews are working to complete bridges over Millsboro Pond and a Route 113 overpass. 

The road opening was celebrated with the 5K at 8 a.m., then bicyclists were able to ride from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

David Weber, 34, of Naperville, Ill., won the race with ease, crossing the finish line in a time of 16:18. He was followed by masters winner Matt Sparacino, 47, of Harrington in 17:53.

Melissa Wiley, 39, of Ocean City, Md., won the women’s race and finished sixth overall in 20:40. Jamie Hicks, 47, of Milford won the masters title in 22:55.

The event benefited the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which provides financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer nationwide and fund critical, cutting-edge childhood cancer research.

 

Robert Hammond of Millsboro climbs to the top of the bridge over Gravel Hill Road on the North Millsboro Bypass.
Walkers bring up the rear of the North Millsboro Bypass 5K.
This will be the only time people can safely walk and run on the new North Millsboro Bypass.
The crane towers over runners and walkers at the North Millsboro Bypass 5K.
Reaching the crest of the bridge over Gravel Hill Road are (l-r) Stella Hastings of Millsboro, Susie Snyder of Lewes and Donald Cowie of Hollsopple, Pa.
The North Millsboro Bypass cuts over Millsboro Pond.
The North Millsboro Bypass 5K field climbs the new bridge over Gravel Hill Road.
Race winner David Weber of Naperville, Ill., heads back down the final bridge as the final walkers just begin their trek.
Local runner Matt Sparacino of Harrington heads to the finish line.
Runners head back toward the start/finish line.
The early morning sun creates long shadows of people as they walk to the starting line at the North Millsboro Bypass 5K.
A late arrival tries to catch up to the crowd.
Cars line the empty highway for the North Millsboro Bypass 5K.
North Millsboro Bypass 5K runners and walkers are the first members of the public to drive on the new roadway.
An empty North Millsboro Bypass awaits runners and, later this month, cars.

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