Youngsters lead field at Tunnel to Towers race
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation came to Lewes Nov. 15, to host its annual 3.43-mile race remembering those lost Sept. 11, 2001, and in memory of the late Stephen Siller.
Siller ran in his fire gear the morning of 9/11 and died trying to save others at the Twin Towers. A total of 260 runners and walkers turned out to Cape Henlopen State Park to take part. The opening ceremonies captured the history of the event.
Alan Jackson, who ran in his fire gear carrying a flag, flew a large American flag from his Milton fire truck at the start/finish line during an emotional “Star-Spangled Banner” before the start.
The out-and-back course from the bathhouse to the Biden Center and back saw youngsters Deacon Odenwelder, 10, and Chloe Cawthern, 9, lead from start to finish, as both captured the overall titles in the race.
Odenwelder was timed in 23:37 for the win, while Cawthern crossed the line in 25:34.
John Costello, 64, won the male masters title and earned a second-place overall finish with a time of 23:42, while Kevin Alvarado, 31, finished as the third male in 25:49.
Following Cawthern across the line in the female race was 58-year-old Teri Welsh, who captured the masters title in 26:18. Two more Cawtherns were in the top 10, as mom Jen finished ninth in 27:12 and son Dane, 10, was 10th, also in 27:12. Dad Rick was the photographer, cheering team and waiting for waves.
Age-group winners on the male side were: 13U - Dane Cawthern, 27:12; 14-19 - Bradley Wildt, 28:30; 20-29 - Eric Bartow, 26:10; 30-39 - Kevin Alvarado, 25:45; 40-49 - Nicklaus Toltowicz, 27:59; 50-59 - Tim Foster, 28:04; 60-69 - Herbert Kaufer, 27:34; 70+ - Donald Cowie, 28:13.
Age-group winners on the female side were: 13U - Addison Nikodemski, 37:01; 14-19 - Austyn Anderson, 30:35; 20-29 - Ellie Wolfenden, 30:13; 30-39 - Anna Mari, 26:51; 40-49 - Laura Marvin, 29:13; 50-59 - Jen Cawthern, 27:12; 60-69 - Lisa Wynn, 32:46; 70+ - Beverly Dimuro, 41:03.
Finish chute
The Seashore Striders will travel to the Cross Country Coaches National Youth Championships Saturday, Nov. 22, in Knoxville, Tenn., at historic Victor Ash Park. The event will feature a three-Peet, as Nolan Peet, 8, sub-bantam; Lillian Peet, 10, bantam; and Annie Peet, 12, midget will all be competing. Joining them will be Manning Bean, 10, bantam; Chloe Cawthern, 9, bantam; and Dane Cawthern, 10, bantam. It is the 35th year in a row the Seashore Striders will be represented at nationals.
Members of the Cape cross country team will compete at the NXN Southeast Regional Nov. 22. It is one of eight regional meets that will be held. The meet is at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. Athletes from 11 states and Washington, D.C., are expected to compete. How do you qualify for nationals? The top two placing clubs in each gender of the championship division race at each regional will earn automatic berths to NXN in Portland. Additionally, the top five placing individuals who are not on qualifying clubs will advance to NXN as individual qualifiers.
Two weeks to go until the Rehoboth Marathon and Half-Marathon. I will do a full preview of the event in next week’s column. Over and national out!
