21 states represented at Red, White and Blue 5K
The Red, White and Blue 5K and Kiddie K, held July 4 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club, attracted 447 runners from 21 states. The vista was stunningly beautiful. The weather was relentlessly hot.
A quality field saw the first 19 runners break 20 minutes. Brian Flynn, 36, from Richmond, Va., ran a sizzling 15:43, followed by Nicholas Garrett, 18, a Tatnall grad on his way to Winthrop University, in 16:19. Michael Wardian, 45, perhaps the world's most renowned ultra runner, crossed the line in 16:43, followed by Francisco Puac, 34, in 16:53 and Aidan Skinner, 17, in 16:57.
Jessica Donahue, 23, from Glen Head, N.Y., was the first woman in 18:11.
“It’s my first time running through the banner,” she said.
She was followed by Kim Stoveld in 19:11, Kayla Bruzdzinski in 19:58, Stephanie Carlo in 20:26 and Tatyana Steis in 20:39.
Notable locals: Bernie Gallagher, 78, won his age group in 27:30. Jules Woodall, 71, ran 25:46. Rick Poppleton, 66, cruised to a 21:37 finish. Chris Stanley, 50, crossed the line in 19:31. Luke Bosek, 40, finished in 17:41. Women’s age-group winners with local connections were Linda Ridenour, 65, 30:00 and Ava Cannon, 55, 26:16.
