Geiersbach, Drager capture Dave Reynolds Biathlon titles

Alexander Geiersbach, a 24-year-old former Rehoboth Beach Patrol lifeguard from Middletown, captured his third overall title July 3 at the Dave Reynolds Biathlon. A 10:19 half-mile open-water ocean swim followed by a 19:21 5K put the talented St. Andrew’s High School graduate more than two minutes ahead of the next open male competitor. Augie Carlozzi, 24, of Wilmington finished second overall in 32:49, while Matt Dunn, 42, of Trappe, Md., finished third overall and won the male masters title in a time of 33:33.

On the female side, 18-year-old Madison Drager, a Dewey Beach Patrol member from Bethlehem, Pa., won the overall title in a time of 37:33. Drager followed her impressive swim of 12:27 with a 23:46 5K. Maddie Tonn, 19, of Rehoboth Beach finished close behind in a time of 38:19. Tonn closed a bit on the run with a split of 23:21. Rainna Tomlin, 21, of Middletown, Md., finished third in a time of 38:29; her 12:12 swim was the third best of the day. Paula Pels, 55, of Bethesda, Md., won the female masters title in 39:44, finishing just a stride ahead of her daughter Kiersten, who crossed in 39:45.

Race for the Ribbon

The 15th annual Race for the Ribbon 5K will be held Saturday, July 9, in Rehoboth Beach, beginning at Wilmington Ave and the Boardwalk. The race benefits the American Cancer Society as well as an individual who is battling the disease. This year we will honor Cape junior Izzy Fuscellaro. The 7:30 a.m. race will be a 3.1-mile trip through the Country Club Estates development on the south side of Rehoboth Avenue. Over the past 15 years, longtime race organizer Stephanie Shuttleworth has raised more than $200,000 for this great cause. Come on out and walk, run or race for the ribbon. Go to seashorestriders.com to get registered.

Beebe Heroes 5K

The third annual Beebe Heroes 5K attracted more than 300 runners and walkers last year, and this year’s registration is looking close to the same. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, July 10, from Market Street in Lewes. Irish Eyes will play host for the event, which will take runners and walkers down Cedar Street to the turnaround just past Children’s Beach House. Parking will be at the Savannah Beach lot as well as behind the Beacon Motel. Nearly everyone who lives in Lewes and/or Rehoboth has had some kind of assistance related to Beebe Healthcare, so why not show them some thanks and come out to be a hero? Go to seashorestriders.com to get registered.

Biathlon flashback

A total of 242 biathletes and 71 walkers turned out for the Rehoboth Recreation Biathlon in 2003, which was later renamed the Dave Reynolds Biathlon in memory of the Rehoboth lifeguard who died in a surfing accident on Easter Sunday 2003. A record crowd showed up to honor and pay tribute to Reynolds. A star-studded field included former champions Jason McKay, Kevin Danahy, Dave Dillehay, Steve Boyle and Brian Davis, to name a few of the top finishers over the years. On that day, it was Dillehay emerging from the surf with McKay close behind. Both swimmers exited transition for the 5K run, but the lead was not enough. USA duathlon national champ Danahy gobbled up their lead before the mile mark and cruised to victory in a time of 29:10 for his third win. Boyle was second, followed by Brian Davis in third and McKay the bread truck in fourth overall. Young Lena Ewing of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol won the female title in 35:39. Other notable finishers included Sara Stephens finishing third overall and Tina Nigh Johnson winning the 40-49 age group 23 seconds ahead of Margaret Colvin. Len Leshem prevailed over Hoyte Decker to win the 60-69 age group, while Jim Bastian was third. Harry Nothacker was celebrated for competing in every biathlon held, and to this day in 2022, he still has not missed one.