Jungle Jim’s hosts 5K, plenty of events on tap

One of the most popular events of the summer, the 21st Jungle Jim’s 5K, was held June 21, at Jungle Jim’s Water Park in Rehoboth Beach.

The race marked the halfway point of the 35th annual Seashore Strider Summer Series. Jungle Jim’s brought out 338 registered runners and walkers. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Beach House in Lewes in the name of the late Derrick Lingo.

The Summer Series is again ahead of 2024 numbers, and has grown each of the past four years.  So far this summer, two events went over the 250 mark, another event over 350 and another over 400 participants.

Matt Sparacino, 47, of Harrington was the first to cross the finish line on the out-and-back course, as he captured the overall title in 18:27.4. Michael Uelses, 59, of Stockertown, Pa., grabbed the runner-up position and the male masters title in 18:55.5. Christopher Moga, 17, of Silver Spring, Md., finished third in 19:58.1, while 37-year-old David Feinstein of Chevy Chase, Md., was fourth, also in 19:58.1. Jake Steinberg, 25, of Owings Mills, Md., wrapped up the top five male finishers in 20:29.3.

Olivia Montini, 20, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., a cross country and track & field athlete at Swarthmore College, captured the female title in 20:24.9, finishing fifth overall. Eve Hoffman, 38, of Washington, D.C., multiple overall champ in the past 10 years at this event, was second this time around in 20:38.3, good for seventh overall. Jacqueline Stewart, 29, of Charlottesville, Va., finished third in 21:05.2, while 39-year-old Melissa Wiley of Ocean City, Md., was fourth in 21:46.7. Jamie Hicks, 47, of Milford rounded out the top five finishers and also captured the female masters title in 23:17.7. 

Swim and biathlon

This Saturday morning will mark the inaugural Rehoboth Beach Open Water Swim, which will likely begin at Queen Street and head north to the finish line at Grenoble Place, beginning at 8 a.m.

Check-in will be at the finish line at Grenoble Place. The swim will offer a large beach towel as the swag, and awards will go to the top finishers in 10-year age groups, and the top three overall and masters finishers. 

The Fourth of July weekend will feature two Rehoboth Beach events: the 35th Firecracker 5K Saturday, July 5, at Grove Park and the 34th Dave Reynolds Biathlon Sunday, July 6, at the Bandstand and Rehoboth Avenue.

The final swim of the summer will be the third annual Boardwalk Mile Open Water Swim Sunday, Aug. 24, in Rehoboth Beach.

Dogfish Dash

Registration is open for the 18th Dogfish Dash, with more than 600 people already signed up. New this year is a 3K walk, which allows walkers to get back to the post-race party a little earlier than normal. The dash will take place in Milton at the brewery. It will benefit the Sussex County Land Trust. The dash will again host the Recycled Costume Contest and will add the Cheer Squad along the course this year.