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Colten Morris breaks the banner to win a watermelon

Watermel Run 5K attracts 113 real-time runners to Janosik Park in Laurel
September 1, 2020

Colten Morris, 18, a graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High in Lancaster, Pa., now living in Lewes, is a certified Sussex Countian after winning the second annual Watermel Run 5K Aug. 30 at Janosik Park in Laurel in a time of 17:08. He received his very own watermelon as a trophy. 

Colten was joined on the leaderboard by masters winner Matt Sparacino, 42, in 19:02; Mike Sewell, 51, in 19:38; Frank A. Ursomarso Jr., 55, in 19:39; and David Hume, 48, in 20:05. 

Morris broke the finish line banner for the first time this season after placing second in the Dewey Beach Patrol 5K in 16:59 and third in the BreastFest 5K in 16:57. 

“I’m training hard and running faster than I did last cross country season,” he said. “I’m planning to start college at University of North Carolina Wilmington in January. I will try to make their cross country team as a walk-on.” 

Hometown girl Melissa Wilson, 45, won the women’s race in 23:26.

“I’m in good shape and you just never know who is going to show up,” Melissa said.

And it is kind of funny awarding a watermelon as a trophy to a Laurel girl for winning a race. 

Joining Wilson on the leaderboard were masters winner Kathy Kay, 50, in 23:46.1; Meghan Catts, 34, in 23:46.7; Lauren Pollock, 17, in 23:55; and Rachel Mayhorn, 25, in 24:14.  

The race generated some crazy storylines, including Jason Pyryt, 48, a former Middletown football player, rocking a fit 6-foot-2, 232-pound lifter’s body running 22:46 to place 10th overall. 

Michael Mitchell, 65, a New Yorker now living in Lewes, ran his very first 5K in a respectable 24:15, employing the couch to 5K training guide. 

Races2Run will offer races in real events the next two weekends, beginning with the Summer’s End 5K Sunday, Sept. 6, at Northbeach in Dewey Beach, and the Gary P. Lister Live 5K and Virtual 10-Miler on Saturday, Sept. 12. Both live 5K races begin at 7:30 a.m. Check races2run.com for details.      

 

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