Run for Coach Nic 5K set for Saturday

The inaugural Run for Coach Nic 5K is finally here. It will be held in honor of coach Lou Nicoletti, a longtime cross country and track and field coach in Delaware. Coach Nic spent more than 40 years coaching runners, and he built programs at Delcastle and Sussex Tech into distance powerhouses. Hundreds of young runners are better people because of the lessons taught by Coach Nic. A large crew of Delcastle runners will attend the event and plan to walk the course with the 1988 state championship banner. This event has been organized by Coach Nic’s cross country and track and field family, led by coach Dontez Collins and wife Shaila. The 5K run and walk will start at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 9, at Sussex Tech with registration kicking off at 8:30 a.m. Event proceeds will benefit the cross country and track and field teams as well as the inaugural Lou Nicoletti Scholarship to be presented to a senior track and field/cross country athlete at the annual end-of-year sports awards ceremony.

ACC Championship tie

After 17 events at this year’s ACC Men’s Indoor Track & Field Championships, it was Virginia Tech and Florida State locked in a tie with 117 points each. North Carolina State, Clemson and Virginia followed to make up the top five teams. In the final event of the day, Virginia Tech finished fifth. Less than a second separated the second- through fifth-place teams. Florida State needed 10 points, and they got it with the win. The championship was determined in a difference of a second, making it one of the great finishes in ACC track and field history.

Middle school tracksters

A total of 80 girls and 54 boys have made it out to the Beacon Middle School track program, while 50 girls and 41 boys are currently working out for Mariner on the team. The high school girls have 35 out for the team, while the boys are currently sitting at 70 athletes. Total number for the district looks to be in the 330 range, easily making it the largest sport in the district.

Tim Kennard 10-Miler

The annual Tim Kennard 10-Miler is coming up soon, set for 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 24, at Salisbury University. Both the 10-miler and 5K begin and end at Salisbury University. The races wind through the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the university and should draw a field of 400 to 500 runners.

Registration and packet pickup will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23, at Evolution Craft Brewing Co. & Public House, 201 E. Vine St., Salisbury. The Rob’s Run for Kids will be at 2 p.m.

Last-chance registration and packet pickup will be from 7 to 8 a.m., Sunday, March 24. The opening ceremonies will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the start at 8:30 a.m.

Timothy Kennard, 48 years old and father of a 7-year-old son, passed away March 11, 2004. He fought a courageous battle against kidney cancer. Tim is missed by his family and friends including fellow runners. This run/walk is in his honor, with proceeds going, as Tim requested, to help children and animals. This year, the proceeds will help Coastal Hospice, specifically for programs that help grieving children cope with the loss of a loved one; Horizons Salisbury, which provides support, education and hope to children from economically disadvantaged families; and Coalition of Caring, a fund for our animal friends.

Power 2 Parkinson’s 5K

Sussex Academy juniors Lindsey Guida and Mackenzie Cummings will direct the inaugural Power 2 Parkinson’s 5K as a part of their community service project at SAS. The proceeds will benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation. The event will be held at 8:30 a.m., Sunday, April 7, at Sussex Academy, 21150 Airport Road, Georgetown.

Registration is $22 through Friday, April 5. Registration is $25 on race day from 7:30 to 8:25 a.m. For online registration, go to seashorestriders.com. Awards will be presented to the male and female overall and masters champions as well as the top three finishers in eight age groups.