Masser 5-Miler field gets perfect-weather race day
A field of 292 runners kicked off the 35th Seashore Striders Racing Series the morning of May 25, at Cape High in Lewes with the running of the 32nd Masser 5 Miler. The race is named after longtime runner, partner and close friend, Dr. Lee Masser, who ran through his final finish line Sept. 4, 2020, at the age of 84. Doc Masser and I, with the partnership of longtime Timeout Sports owner Bruce Springer, and local runner and realtor Richard Tikiob, created the Seashore Striders Summer Racing Series back in 1990.
A perfect, cool-weather-conditions morning greeted this year’s field as I read a list of runners who are gone but not forgotten, with Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” playing in the background. The field raced around the track and out the gate, heading to the trail that would take them on a Lewes loop with no traffic to worry about until the final mile.
“This is one of my favorite courses, and I have run many over the years,” said Martin Rodriguez of the Striders Racing Team.
All alone out front, a position he is used to, was 51-year-old Michael Wardian, who cruised through the finish arch in a time of 27:40 to average 5:32 a mile. Nearly two minutes back was Owen Parsons, 17, of West Chester, Pa., in a time of 29:34, while Matt Sparacino, 47, of Harrington grabbed third in a time of 29:51 to win the male masters. Scott Andes, 42, of Kensington, Md., finished fourth in a time of 30:37, while Chris Graham, 41, finished fifth overall in a time of 31:24.
On the female side, it was Eve Hoffman, 38, of Washington, D.C., taking the overall female spot in a time of 33:43, while Suzanna Glasstetter, 27, of Philadelphia ran 35:57 for second place. Hoffman, who has family in Rehoboth Beach, visits the running mecca often in Striderville and wins most of the races she enters, including her favorite, the upcoming Jungle Jim’s 5K, set for Saturday, June 21. Kelsey Oliphant, 33, of Laurel was third in 36:12, while Alexis Oliphant finished fourth. Rounding out the top five was Lisa Sherman, 51, of D.C., in a time of 36:41. There were 99 runners in the 50-64 age group, making up 33% of the field, which is the norm for the Seashore Striders. Fourteen states were represented, with Delaware, Pennsylvania and Maryland leading the way, and the female runners made up 51% of the field. The total race number of 292 was the largest Masser 5 Miler in the past 10 years. Results can be found at seashorestriders.com.
Nationals
The New Balance Track & Field High School Nationals will be held June 19-22 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, while the Nike Track & Field High School Nationals will take place the same weekend at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. Acceptance lists for who is competing, and who has qualified and is not competing will be out May 30, and I will have an update in next week’s column. My guess is that most of Delaware will head to Franklin Field, very convenient and close for such a great meet. Drop me an email at tim@seashorestrider.com if you are competing in either, and I will start a national list.
