Large field turns out for Run, White and Blue 5K

A nice field and the third-largest crowd turned out in Georgetown Sept. 7 for the 10th annual Run, White and Blue 5K at Delaware Tech to show their support for veterans, first responders, active military and students. The event is organized by Janelle Shellabarger, who goes above and beyond to provide participants a good experience. The food, live band, Vanderwende ice cream truck, Big Oyster beer tent, custom T-shirts and custom large medals all make Shellabarger’s DTCC event one you should put on your road race bucket list. If you walk away from this event hungry, you did something wrong. 

“The event was a true success with more than 400 participants and approximately 50 volunteers, including Delaware Tech employees, students, athletes and community members,” Shellabarger said. “I love the community involvement. We had two high school cross country teams run the 5K and three local fire departments, the Delaware State Police mounted patrol and aviation unit, the National Guard, a local EMT, and a local JROTC attend, while the national anthem was performed by Lt. Matthew Barlow from the Georgetown Police Department.” 

All proceeds benefit scholarships for first responders and veterans at the Delaware Tech Owens Campus.

Harrington’s Matt Sparacino, 45, was first across the line in 18:42, while Brayden Fosty, 18, of Townsend was second in 19:12.  Seashore Striders and Sussex Academy coach Gavin Furlong, 41, of Lewes was third in 19:30 to win the male masters title. Milton runner Andy Gorlich, 38, ran 19:48 for fourth place, while Luke Morrow, 18, of Newark rounded out the top five in 20:38.  

On the female side, it was young Paige Ballinger, 13, of Milford, running for Sussex Academy, who captured the female title in 21:42. Ballinger is just an eighth-grader, but has been moved up to the varsity cross country team. Ballinger broke 20 minutes at last week’s Lake Forest Invitational to kick off what should be a storybook career. Zuleyka Martinez, 33, of Wilmington was second in 21:58, while Tanya Karaman, 53, of Smyrna was third in 23:28 to capture the female masters title. Abby Andrews, 40, longtime Seashore Striders runner, was fourth in 24:28. Young MaKenna Blades, 14, of Millsboro rounded out the top five in 24:33. 

Four runners broke the 20-minute mark, while 85 broke 30 minutes.

“We are so appreciative of the community support and are already looking forward to next year,” Shellabarger said. “Mark your calendar to join us Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.”

Ruby Leps wins at Lake

Young 9-year-old Ruby Leps of the Seashore Striders won the Middle School Division at last weekend’s Lake Forest Invitational in 16:17 for 2.15 miles. Strider Nora Furlong, 8, finished fifth in 20:44. On the boys’ side, 12-year-old Strider Jude Peacock was second overall in 14:17, while Nolan Furlong, 11, was third in 14:26. Henry Neufeld, 11, was seventh overall in 15:49, while Whit Leps, 11, was 13th overall in 19:25. Nico Capobianco rounded out the Striders in 16th place in 20:37.

Cape boys win a pair

The Vikings traveled to Killens Pond Sept. 13 to take on Milford and Sussex Tech in a double dual meet. When the dust settled, it was the Cape boys over Tech 16-47 and Milford 21-40. Here is a look at the top 10 finishers: 1. Nate Waydelis, Milford, 17:20; 2. Jason Baker, Cape, 17:35; 3. Joey DeGregory, Cape, 18:43; 4. Max Gillen, Cape, 18:43.1; 5. Breyden Redd, Cape, 18:47; 6. Bennett Brumbley, Sussex Tech, 19:16; 7. Eli Parfitt, Milford, 19:47; 8. Riley Stazzone, Cape, 20:13; 9. Josh Cohen, Cape, 20:18; 10. Andrew Radka, Cape, 20:24.

In the girls’ meet, the Vikings lost to the Faith Mitchell-led Milford Bucs 22-33, but beat Sussex Tech 20-43. Here is a look at the top 10 finishers: 1. Faith Mitchell, Milford, 20:58; 2. Arina Varrato, Sussex Tech, 21:20; 3. Aviana Shaw, Milford, 22:34; 4. Kayla Ashton, Milford, 22:34.1; 5. Haley Hassell, Cape, 22:57; 6. Ava Dolan, Cape, 22:58; 7. Allaire Burton, Cape, 23:37; 8.  Sigrid Evers, Milford, 23:52; 9. Maya Yngve, Cape, 23:55; 10. Sammy Hudson, Milfod, 24:08.

Finish chute - The Seashore Striders will be in Salisbury, Md., twice this fall, with the first this Saturday for the Easterseals Walk With Me 5K to be held at the city park at 9 a.m. The Striders will return Sunday, Oct. 1 for inaugural Soles For Seniors 5K at Winterplace Park for a 9 a.m. start. Registration for the Dogfish Dash is still open. So far 1,830 participants are registered, with 170 slots open. The dash will take place at 9 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 24 in Milton. Cape graduate Alexa Dougherty is joining three other walk-on athletes for a 14-day tryout period to make the University of Delaware women’s track & field team. The UD cross country team, with Cape’s Katie Kuhlman, competes this week at Virginia Tech in the Alumni Invitational on the Buford Meredith Cross Country Course in Blacksburg, Va.