Firecracker 5K race fast like a collie in a ThunderShirt
A total of 254 Firecracker 5K runners were off like a collie in a ThunderShirt July 2 at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. The pack was furiously fast at the front, breaking from the peloton at the first bend in the road.
The top four runners broke 17 minutes, while 22 total broke the 20-minute barrier.
“Fourth of July ... you never know which fast people are dropping in for a race,” said Race Director Tim Bamforth. “Today’s field was super fast.”
John O’Connor, 21, was the overall winner in 16:05. The top 17 runners were male. Natalie Lutz, 40, was the first female in 19:09.
Joining O’Connor running in the 16s were Dylan Branch, 21, 16:12; Garrett Ferguson, 17, 16:18; and Dylan Smiley, 24, 16:30.
Mike Wardian, 48, a coast-to-coast legend of ultra running with a residence in the 227, arrived at the Rehoboth Boardwalk Friday morning after completing a cross-country trek that began in San Francisco May 1. Wardian averaged 50 miles a day, but closure for the journey included running the Rehoboth Firecracker 5K. Mike ran 18:42 and jumped in jubilation at the completion of the race.
Scotty Wallace, 42, of New Market, Md., won the male masters race in 17:02.
The female masters title went to the running nanny from Kensington, Md., Cindy Conant, 61, in a time of 21:02.
Matt Wardian, 45, Mike’s younger brother, ran 21:15.
Jimmy Rubin, 50, 20:44, and his wife Rebecca Rubin, 50, 25:41, defended their Reuben sandwich trophy.
A complete listing of expanded race results can be found at seashorestriders.com.
