Runners rock around the clock, footing is tricky tricky tricky
The December morning weather was balmy; the sunrise over Rehoboth was spectacular; Kelsey Spence Murphy’s rendition of the national anthem was beautiful; then, boom, “can you hear me now?” The cannon concussion percussion signaled the start of race day, and 2,495 Rehoboth Beach Seashore Marathon and Half Marathon runners set sail for the trails in a light rain that would turn steady then to heavy.
Like a jumbo jet, 777 runners selected the marathon distance of 26.2 miles, while another 1,718 chose the 13.1-mile half marathon.
The marathoners took the Gordons Pond trail to Lewes; the half-steppers stayed on the Junction and Breakwater Trail. There was a common turnaround at Flag Alley – nine miles for the half and 22 for the full. The Surf Gimp Foundation is responsible for the flags and the double DJ music and commentaries. Hometown was announced for each runner, followed by “in the house,” an amped acknowledgement from Brad Dennehy and Jack Frederick if your house has no roof. The footing was tricky around the Sussex Tech water stop as runners rocked around the clock, turning back and heading for home into oncoming foot traffic.
Stephen Garrett of Hockessin threw down in the marathon, leading post to paddock in 2:27.20. Tyler Muse of Salisbury, Md., was second in 2:31:40, followed by Nicolas Crouzier of Darnestown, Md., in 2:34:42; Mike Wardian of Arlington, Va., in 2:41:15 and Jon Chesto of Auburndale, Md., in 2:44.25.
The top 15 male runners broke the three-hour barrier.
Stephanie Savantano of Perkasie, Pa., was the overall women's winner in 3:12:54. Nicole Terry of Arlington, Va., was second in 3:17:47, followed by April Mbida of Milwaukee, Wisc., in 3:18:21; Kim Gudenkauf of Olathe, Kans., in 3:20:23; and Tracie Leinbach of Syracuse, N.Y., in 3:21:04.
The first 20 women broke 3:30, including Leah-Kate Atkinson of Newark in 3:25:45.
The front edge of the half marathon runners with the right stuff pushed the envelope to clock six-minute miles.
JR Creekmore of Wilmington was the overall male winner in 1:16:47, which is 5:52 mile pace. Conner McIntyre of Baltimore, Md., was second in 1:17:18, followed by Joey Andrisani of Wilmington in 1:17:24; Kaleb Kabakjian of Conestoga, Pa., in 1:18:32; and Steve Heagy of Lansdale, Pa., in 1:18:48.
The top 40 runners broke 1:30, which is a three-hour marathon pace.
Emily Hulme of Easton, Pa., was the first woman in the half in 1:25:12. Sadie Smith of Kirkwood, Mo., was second in 1:25:33, followed by Sara Girotto of Wynnewood, Pa., in 1:26:44; Anna Bosse of Rockville, Md., in 1:27:05; and Colleen Buckley of Washington, D.C., in 1:27:33.
Delaware was represented by Sarah Richards (1:34:27) and Michele Karsnitz (1:35:09).
Chip Davis, a retired Lewes mailman and longtime Lewes Little League and Cape softball coach, stood on a Boardwalk bench wearing a marathon bib watching the start of the race.
“When all those people clear out, I’m going to start walking,” Chip said. “I don’t know when I’ll be back but [Terminator] I’ll be back!”
Chip was back in 6:25:30, which is 14:43 per mile in the rain for 26.2 miles. Marathon motivation is personal and everyone is their own kind of crazy. Coach Chip, like a wet dog in the yard, was “in the house!”
