Rain doesn't dampen spirits at 5K Milk Run

More than 90 runners took off in torrential downpour at a cool 50 degrees May 13 at Middletown High School to compete in the 5th annual 5K Milk Run/Walk held by the Delaware Farm Bureau Foundation and the New Castle County Farm Bureau. State Sen. David Sokola-D, Newark, led the race on his bicycle, as he has every year. There was a great turnout from the Alfred G. Waters FFA and the Everett Meredith Middle School FFA.

While final figures are not yet in, organizers are certain that the goal of raising at least $10,000 to support the annual needs of the Ministry of Caring's Milk For Children Fund will be met. Net proceeds from the event will go to help MOC's Emmanuel Dining Room serve a nutritious glass of milk to every child in need who walks through their doors. A secondary beneficiary is The Neighborhood House Inc. in Middletown, a United Way partner agency which helps struggling families get back on their feet.

More than 30 agribusinesses, dairies and farm families provided sponsorship for the race. Major sponsors included Land O'Lakes, Syngenta, New Castle County Farm Bureau, Willey Farms and Hy-Point Dairy.

Stewart Ramsey, New Castle County Farm Bureau president, said, " After five years, I continue to be amazed at the support from the agriculture community for our event - everyone from FFA groups and small dairy farms to large milk processors and everyone in between, they rise to the cause!"

In the past, the race has been staged at at the Appoquinimink High School in Middletown, but a new location was necessitated by DelDOT's Route 301 construction. Middletown High School made its grounds available.

Laura Simpson, foundation project coordinator, said she liked the new venue because there was more room, saying, "We appreciate being able to use Middletown High School." Next year's venue has not been determined.

"Despite the pouring rain, runners were in great spirits," Simpson said. "Ninety-four runners finished the race, all within an hour, which I feel was impressive."
The winner, Rick Short, finished in 20 minutes, 11.2 seconds. Only seconds behind him were Gerardo Rivas, Jay Fenton and Godfrey Thuku. Jonathan Fitch came in under 22 minutes.

Leaders among female runners were Lissy Haney and Casey Hagy at under 23 minutes. Missy Lipscomb, Heather Guerrieri and Annika Roberts were third through fifth, respectively, all in less than 26 1/2 minutes.

Runners ranged in age from 5 to 67, and included a great turnout from the FFA. Some participants were from Maryland, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Over the past five years, 800 runners and walkers have participated in the event, raising awareness of the critical need for more milk for less fortunate children in local communities. In the first four years, almost $75,000 has been raised in this effort to buy milk for children in Delaware.

If rain doesn't dampen the spirits of runners, will mud? The foundation will sponsor an inaugural Mad Bull Mud Run Saturday, Aug. 19, at Delaware State Fairgrounds, with plenty of mud and challenging but fun obstacles to overcome. Net proceeds will go to support the foundation's mission to build awareness, understanding and positive public perception about Delaware's farm operations and fresh local food. The foundation also raises funds to provide educational materials, grants, and scholarships, and to feed hungry Delawareans.

For more information about mud run registration or sponsorship, contact Laura Simpson at 302-697-3183 or laura.simpson@defb.org.