Perry wins tough age group in Striders Summer Racing Series

Jen Perry is a gifted runner out of Millsboro with a track background. She completed the Seashore Striders Summer Racing Series this year. Jen ran 12 of the 13 events and won the 45-49 age group with 10 points. Jen finished just one point ahead of the always-tough Becky Montini. Linda Stanley was third with 19 points in one of the toughest age groups in the series. Anytime you finish ahead of the names Montini and Stanley, it’s an impressive finish. Perry started training last fall with her sights set on the Seashore Half Marathon on Mother’s Day, which she ran in 1:59:12 to finish second in her age group.  “After the half, I just saw the series and started running everything,” said Jen. “I did the 6-Pack Series, the Triple Crown, and the Summer Series, and I guess I just got a little addicted.”

Jen recently stopped by to pick up her custom award for the Run for the Paws 5K, where she finished third in the 45-49 age group.

The smooth-running Perry ran collegiate track & field and specialized in the sprints, mainly the 400 meters, but now her specialty seems to be the local road race scene.

Sundance Racing Festival

Sundance is here with a 5K run, 1-mile walk, half-mile swim and biathlon set to step off at 8 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 26, in Rehoboth.

Whether you’re a serious runner, swimmer, power walker or just want to dress like a diva and sashay away, there will be something for everyone. In addition to the aforementioned events, there is also a catwalk, where creativity and costumes are encouraged, with prizes awarded in several categories. Be creative and prepare to sashay!

Register by going to seashorestriders.com.

Sussex Sports Center

On Aug. 22, I was a part of the Sussex Sports Center Foundation’s Sandhill Fields groundbreaking ceremony held at the complex site in Georgetown. As board members, we came together with several dignitaries of the county and the Town of Georgetown to celebrate this vision that’s becoming a reality. The Sandhill Fields facility will include eight regulation-sized soccer/lacrosse Bermuda grass fields, six pickleball courts with pavilion, a 3.1-mile regulation cross country course, 3.5 miles of walking trails, playground equipment, restroom facilities, picnic pavilions, ample parking for 350 cars, and a food truck area. The complex will be conveniently located in the heart of Sussex County, near Route 9 and Sand Hill Road, just minutes away from Georgetown. The foundation’s mission is to build, operate and maintain a first-class multi-sport center in the middle of the county for Sussex citizens of all ages to enjoy. My vision is to bring conference, state, regional, eastern and possibly national championships to a state-of-the-art 5,000-meter course at all age levels. Remember Field of Dreams ... “if you build it, they will come.” 

Run for the Arts 5K Costume Run

A new event will come to Milford Saturday, Oct. 27, as the Run for the Arts 5K Costume Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk will begin at 8 a.m. from downtown Milford. Registration is $25 through 6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 25, with race-day registration beginning at 7 a.m. for $30. The event will benefit the Mispillion Art League. Visit seashorestriders.com to get registered. 

Striders Cross Country

The 28th season for the Seashore Striders will officially begin Tuesday, Sept. 4, as the cross country team will practice at Cape Henlopen State Park from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. at Fort Miles. Parents are encouraged to purchase a park sticker before the season begins, as they will have to pay daily park entrance fees without a sticker. 

Next week, the Striders will have two optional fun runs for athletes and parents to take part in. We will meet on Monday from 5 to 6 p.m. behind the Rehoboth Beach Tanger Outlets at the Junction & Breakwater Trail and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. at Lewes Beach.