Downstate runners make all-state cross country team

A small group of high school cross country runners from the Henlopen Conference traveled north to Padua Academy in Wilmington Dec. 6 to attend a dinner for the all-state cross country team of Delaware. Seven runners make each team for a total of 21 runners on both the boys’ and girls’ teams. For the girls, Henlopen Conference champion Naomi Bowser of Smyrna made first team, while young freshman Olivia Brozefsky of Cape and Helena Helou of Sussex Academy made third team.

Sussex County and Henlopen Conference champion Ben Bamforth of Sussex Tech made second team along with Tosin Ibironke of Smyrna, while Austin Cave of Delmar, Johnathan Epstein of Caesar Rodney and Drew Harris of Lake Forest made third team.

Awards were presented for each member of the all-state team, as well as coach of the year, final team rankings and runners of the year. The Riders of Caesar Rodney finished ranked fifth in the state, while Sussex Tech was ranked fourth on the boys’ side.

Seashore Marathon 

More than 2,500 runners completed the Seashore Half-Marathon and Marathon Dec. 3, bringing thousands of runners and their families to the beach from 48 states across the country.

The event kicked off without a hitch from the Bandstand just after 7 a.m., and 10 different agencies went into action to keep runners safe along the 13.1- and 26.2-mile treks they were about to tackle. There were 10 water stop groups and 18 stops along the way for runners to stay hydrated, as the half marathon did two out-and-back spurs – one to North Shores and Gordons Pond and then past Grove Park toward Lewes by way of the Junction and Breakwater Trail and back. The race finished at Rehoboth Beach Running Company on Fourth Street in Rehoboth Beach. The marathon course continued on past Gordons Pond and took in Herring Point, Fort Miles, Lewes Beach and back to Gordons Pond toward Grove Park. The marathon then followed the same trek as the half toward Lewes and back on the trail.

Congratulations to all the finishers, locals and visitors, as so many inspiring stories were taking part in the event right here in Rehoboth Beach. Event results can be found at www.novatimingsystems.com.

Snowball 5K Run

This Sunday will be the annual Snowball 5K Run at Cape Henlopen State Park, beginning at the fishing pier at 10 a.m. The course will take runners and walkers on the trail to the lookout atop the Great Dune in Fort Miles and back for the 3.1-mile hike. Register now through Seashore Striders by visiting www.seashorestriders.com. Long-sleeve tech Ts will be given to all preregistered participants and race-day participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Awards will be presented to the overall, masters and the top three finishers in age groups. Race-day registration will begin at 9 a.m. at the fishing pier. See you at the Snowball.

Race note: The Seashore Striders will still have their food drive at the Snowball Run, which will then be donated to needy families locally. Bring all food to the race, and we will be stacking it in boxes at registration.