Coastal Delaware Running Festival draws thousands
Dewey Beach and the surrounding beach communities recently hosted the weekend-long festivities of the second annual Coastal Delaware Running Festival.
Certified Race Directors Rick Hundley and Ernie Felici of Focus Multi-Sports reported sold-out races and record attendance. The festival boasted more than 2,220 runners, and thousands of fans and volunteers. Designated a State of Delaware Championship event by the Road Runners Club of America and a Boston Marathon qualifying race, race-related activities began April 22, with the full and half marathons and 9K April 24.
The marathon, half marathon and 9K started at Tower Road at Delaware Seashore State Park off Route 1. The races were expected to be fast due to the flat terrain and traversed salt marshes, oceanside, bayside and pond-front parks of south coastal Delaware, the Rehoboth Boardwalk and Cape Henlopen State Park.
Athletes and families enjoyed a welcome party at the Starboard, with attendees from nearly all 50 states and Canada. Saturday there was a sports expo featuring gadgets and gear for runners and other serious athletes. Even the passing rain showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the day.
The finish line and post-race celebration party was at Lighthouse Cove. The post-race party featured free food provided by Harvey Hanna and Associates, owners of the Hyatt Place Dewey and Lighthouse Cove complex, beer provided by 3rd Wave Brewing Company and NKS Distributors, with live entertainment by DJ Padraig.
“We were proud of the events this year because we built off the success from the inaugural run. We love showing off our neighborhood to the world of runners. From the scenic beauty of the course to the incredible generosity from our sponsors and volunteers, the Delaware beach community shone beyond belief,” said Rick Hundley.
The Coastal Delaware Running Festival was a fundraiser for many local charities including the Delaware Seashore Preservation Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to preserve, protect and enhance the Indian River Life Saving Station and the parks in the Delaware Seashore State Park region including the Indian River Marina, Delaware Seashore, Fenwick Island and Holts Landing state parks whose most recent undertaking is the restoration of World War II Fire Control Tower No. 3 with the Fort Miles Historical Association. Other charities supported by this festival are Preston’s March for Energy, The Delaware KIDS Fund, the Get Well Gabby Foundation, Seashore Striders Delaware, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, Autism Speaks National Capital Area Chapter, Autism Delaware and other local nonprofits.
“At Focus Multi-Sports, Rick and I and our team of sponsors believe in the power of philanthropy. We believe in the partnership between for-profit businesses and the nonprofit sector. Our alliances strengthen local organizations and provide businesses with a platform to give back. I would say such collaborations are win/win,” said Felici.
“In addition to throwing a great party, executing a first-class race, and providing some of the best swag in the industry, our races are about philanthropy and giving back to the community. I can’t wait to see what kind of grants we will be able to make as a result of Co Del Fest this year!” said Hundley.
Sponsorship opportunities and registration are now open for next year's race weekend, set Friday-Sunday, April 21-23, 2017. For more information, go to www.CoDelRun.com.
