State age-group records falling this summer

The list of Delaware state age-group records continues to change in the higher age groups this summer as runners are breaking existing records and lowering their own age-group records. Jack Huxtable aged up to the 80-84 age group and has set, lowered and set again that record. It stands now at 27:52, set at this year’s Father’s Day 5K. Joann Szczepkowski is always a force when she leaves the starting line. She currently holds the 65-69 age-group record of 23:34, set in 2011, and also the 70-74 record of 25:56, set in 2016. Joanne ran 26:21 this season at the Jungle Jim’s 5K, and, most recently, she logged a time of 26:22 at the Race for the Ribbon. Also at the Race for the Ribbon, 65-69 runner Diana Golden turned in a 23:35, which was less than a second off the 70-74 age group record held by Szczepkowski. In the 75-79 age group, Sherri Wright turned in a 32:56 at the Race for the Ribbon 5K that shatters the age-group mark of 37:33 by Rose Marie Celia from 2011.  

Run for JJ 5K

This Sunday marks the 21st running of the Run for JJ 5K held at Stuart Kingston at the north end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk, behind the Henlopen Hotel. The race will begin at 7:30 a.m., with registration in Lake Gerar Park beginning at 6:15 a.m. Runners and walkers can still register for the event through Saturday at noon by going to seashorestriders.com or register on race day from 6:15 to 7:20 a.m. The course is USATF-certified and loops Henlopen Acres for a beautiful and shady 3.1 miles.

For many years, the Run for JJ 5K invited foreign elite runners to the event, for which the late Jay Stein put up a cash purse. The result was some blistering performances. The Delaware state record was set on this course back in 2007 by Nelson Kiplagat in 13:52.

Last year, we celebrated the 20th annual race, with 16-year-old Austen Cave of Delmar winning the male title in 16:23, while 36-year-old Rachel Booth of Charlottesville, Va., took the female title in 18:10.

Here is a look at the all-time run times for the JJ 5K: 

Men

1. 13:52 – Nelson Kiplagat, Kenya, 2007; 2. 14:15 – Joseph Mwai, Kenya, 2003; 3. 14:19 – Victor Kigen, Kenya, 2006; 4. 14:21 – Henry Kipchirchir, Kenya, 2005; 5. 14:23 – David Njuguna, Kenya, 2002; 6. 14:23 – Joseah Matui, Kenya, 2004; 7. 14:25 – David Korir, Kenya, 2004; 8. 14:26 – Michael Mislay, Kenya, 2004; 9. 14:30 – Reuben Chebii, Kenya, 2007; 10. 14:33 – Isaac Arusei, Kenya, 2006. 

Women

1. 16:16 – Jane Muia, Kenya, 2008; 2. 16:19 – Daska Mamito, Kenya, 2008; 3. 16:46 – Atalech Ketema, Ethiopia, 2004; 4. 16:48 – Florence Jepkosgei, 2007; 5. 16:49 – Michelle Lilienthal, USA, 2006; 6. 16:50 – Hanah Njeri, Kenya, 2003; 7. 17:01 – Maria Buseinei, Kenya, 2004; 8. 17:05 – Grace Njoki, Kenya, 2002; 9. 17:13 – Sonja Friend-Uhl, USA, 2003; 10. 17:16 – Naomi Wangui, Kenya, 2006.

Loopin' for the Library

This Saturday will mark the second annual Loopin’ for the Library bike ride, beginning at 9 a.m. from the new Lewes Public Library. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. 

The ride starts and ends at the library and has two routes – a 10-mile family-friendly mini loop and a 20-mile grand loop along the trails of Lewes, Cape Henlopen and Rehoboth. Afterward, there will be a celebration with food, drinks, and activities and games for kids! All riders will receive a commemorative T-shirt, water bottle and admission to the after party. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Lewes library. All riders must wear a helmet. The inaugural event two years ago had just under 50 riders, while this year more than 200 riders are scheduled to take part, leaving in groups of 15 every two minutes in 14 waves.