Irish Eyes Friendsgiving 5K brings 869 to Lewes
A large crowd of 869 participants, the second largest 5K field for the traditional Thanksgiving Day event at Irish Eyes Lewes, turned out to celebrate and remember Don Johnson, and raise money for Toys For Tots.
“We are pleased with our turnout for the race,” said Maryellen Kiernan of Irish Eyes. “And having just under 1,000 runners is amazing. We remembered Don Johnson today, and we are happy to benefit Toys for Tots. I am sure we made Don proud."
The Irish Eyes family has been hosting a 5K event for more than 10 years and giving the proceeds to charity, while bringing families to Lewes on Thanksgiving Day. The morning kicked off with the Little Gobble dash for kids, as 40 youngsters raced an out and back 200 meters to the cheering crowd. Next up was the featured 5K run/walk event that took participants down Market to Cedar Street, turning around between Children’s Beach House and the Lewes Yacht Club for the out-and-back run.
First back across the line was 24-year-old Dylan Branch of Laurel in 16:09, averaging 5:12 mile pace. Pierce Conlon, 36, of Wilmington was second in 16:22. Collin Keehan, 18, of Woodbridge, Va., finished third in 17:47, while 28-year-old Jake Bamforth of Ft Collins, Colo., was fourth in 17:55. Rounding out the top five was 16-year-old Marco Arias of Woodbridge, Va., in 18:21. Samuel Swisher-McClure of Lewes won the male masters title in 20:40 for 22nd place overall.
On the female side, 22-year-old Ella Brooke Johnson of Bala Cynwyd, Pa., ran 19:44 for the overall title, while 29-year-old Rebecca Palacios of Arllington, Va., finished second in 20:36. Cindy Link, 39, of Hershey, Pa., finished third in 21:39, while 19-year-old Kate Gannon of Silver Spring, Mmd., was fourth place in 21:43. Alison McMullen. 37, of Millsboro ran 21:53 to round out the top five finishers. Susan Gray of Silver Spring, Md., won the female masters title in 23:57.
Pumpkin Pie 5K
The 18th annual Pumpkin Pie 5K was held in Rehoboth Beach Nov. 29, with 36 pumpkin pies handed out to the winners of each age group as well as the overall and masters champions. Another 15 pies were randomly given away, with another 10 pies were cut up for participants. A total of 450 participants took part in the out-and-back course from Grove Park to North Shores, while 40 participants opted for the shorter 1-mile walk distance.
The top four male finishers all broke the 17-minute mark. They were led by Joey Hawley of Irwin, Pa., in a winning time of 16:33. Local Sussex Academy runner and 4:16 miler, Ryan Moody of Milton, finished in the runner-up position in 16:39. Cape runner Brayden Redd of Milton ran 16:44 for third place, while Carter Steffy of Berlin, Md., went 16:56 for fourth. David Tidey of Philadelphia ran 17:07 to round out the top five and also win the male masters title.
On the female side, it was Nicole Tirelli of Middletown, N.Y., racing across the line in 20:25 to win the overall title. Moo Galbus of Wilmington ran 20:52 for second. Local Trudy Dalton of Selbyville ran 21:24 to finish third and win the masters title, while Maren Dougherty of San Diego, Calif., ran 22:10 for fourth place.Young Elle Stretch of Lewes turned in a 22:55 to round out the top five.
The Thanksgiving weekend Pumpkin Pie race has been a 35-year Rehoboth Beach tradition dating back to the Run For The Rose 5K in the early ’90s led by locals Sharon Vernon and Ann Simpler.
