Local runners earn All-American status

The Seashore Striders made their 31st trip to the Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships last weekend in Paris, Ky. More than 2,000 of the best young runners from as far away as Hawaii and Maine gathered on the challenging course that featured rolling hills throughout every race. It was the first year the Seashore Striders had a top 25 finisher in every race they entered.

“We had a smaller group this time around, but some excellent, impressive performances from our kids,” said coach Derek Shockro. “Seven All-Americans from a small club like ours, we’ll take.”

Nora Furlong, 6, had the highest place of the day, finishing sixth overall with a time of 10:56 for the 2K distance. Brother Nolan Furlong finished ninth in the 8-year-old race in a season-best time of 8:14 for the 2K distance.

Allison Ortiz, just a sixth-grader, put together a great race, running 12:35 for the 3,000-meter distance to finish 15th overall in the 11-year-old race.

Kai Mundok, 9, ran a great final half-mile to move up to 19th overall in a time of 12:39, while teammate Brady Sherman was 25th in the 10-year-old race in a time of 12:29. Dylan Sherman ran 10:30 to place 35th among 7-year-olds, while 10-year-old Cody Kuhlman was 97th in a time of 16:52 for the 3K.

Leading the high school Striders was Cape runner Katie Kuhlman, who finished 12th in a good time of 19:55. Kuhlman went to the front off the starting line and ran the opening half-mile with the lead pack before settling in with the chase pack just outside the top 10 runners. Striders runner Colin Kay of Sussex Tech used the same race tactics as he led the opening half-mile and battled the whole way with the pack just outside the top 10. Kay ran 17:13, which easily was equivalent to his 16:42 PR. Most of the regulars who race the popular Paris course say it is 45 to 55 seconds slower than most courses due to the hills and usual muddy conditions.

Cape junior track & field hurdler Alexa Dougherty led the 17-18 team with a 26th-place finish in 22:18, just one place outside of being on stage as an All-American. “This is my first year running cross country and only missed it by one place, so that’s OK,” she said. “I guess I have to run a little harder next year in Indiana.” Sussex Tech runner Arina Varrato ran a nice race of 21:17 to place 27th in the race, while Sussex Academy’s Sadie Tunnell was 31st in 22:29. Victoria LeCates of Sussex Tech finished 34th in 22:45, while borrowed runner Allie Clarkson of Louisville was 39th in 23:03. Cape runner Allison Head finished 40th in her first national trip in a time of 23:08. J.J. Klosiewicz of Sussex Tech finished 32nd in 18:37 in the 17-18 boys’ race.

Turkey Madness

The busiest week of the year in the United States is Thanksgiving week, as Turkey Trot races spread all over the country. The Cape area has its share of holiday races. The Bethany-Fenwick Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot was held on Thanksgiving Day.

The Seashore Striders will host the 12th annual Huffin’ for Pumpkin Pie 5K at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 27, at Grove Park in Rehoboth. The out-and-back course will follow Henlopen Avenue to the Boardwalk and turn around at the Rehoboth Beach Patrol Headquarters. Custom awards will be given in 16 age groups along with overall and masters awards. Early packet pickup will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 26, at Grove Park. Proceeds will benefit Toys for Tots in cooperation with Apple Electric. Go to seashorestriders.com for more information.

The 18th annual Sea Colony Turkey Trot will be held at 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 28, from the Sea Colony Fitness Center in Bethany Beach and will benefit Special Olympics Delaware. My friend Jen Neal does a great job putting this post-Thanksgiving race together year after year, showcasing the Sea Colony development. Go to seashorestriders.com for more information.

Rehoboth Marathon race preview is coming next week. Happy Turkey Day and see you on the starting line!