New Year’s weekend races draw 1,000 runners and walkers

The Boardwalk at the top of Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach was teeming with runners on New Year’s Eve, as 460 hale and hearty souls braved the cold and wind for the 21st annual Race Into the New Year.

“It’s the biggest turnout we’ve ever had for this race," said Tim Bamforth of Seashore Striders. “It was a great year for Seashore Striders events, as we posted record numbers.”

The next morning in Bethany Beach, the Hair of the Dog 5K, under the direction of Races2Run, attracted 298 runners along with a hundred walkers and a kids’ race to start the day. The race is part of the New Year’s Day walk-run-plunge celebration.

“A great turnout and fundraiser for our charity," said Doug Purcell of Quiet Resorts Charitable Foundation. 

Race Into the New Year 

Liam Steyn, 15, the fastest runner without a driver’s license, won the Race Into the New Year in 16:47, outkicking Jay Hall, 26, of Leonardtown, Md., in 16:59.

Ann Bosse, 32, of Rockville, Md., was first female in 19:00.3. Todd Burns, 45, of Arlington, Va., was male masters winner in 17:12, while Jaimie Wright, 47, of State College, Pa., won the female masters title in 20:21.

Hair of the Dog  

Steyn won his second title in as many days, winning the Hair of the Dog 5K in 16:54. Sarah Bischoff, 30, of Arlington, Va., was first female in 20:18.

Mark Walchinsky, 46, of Alexandria, Va., was second overall and male masters winner in 18:37. Melissa Wiley, 40, of Ocean City, Md., was 12th overall and first female masters runner in 21:16.