"There are more women running in the Striders Series today than men," said Race Director Tim Bamforth as he looked over the field just before the 7:30 a.m start of the 24th Women’s Distance Festival 5K at Rehoboth Elementary School.
The women’s race had 105 runners cross the line, and a few crossed over the line as some men (OK, one) wanted the early start, while Jack Vassalotti, the man with more outfits than Liza Minnelli, ran in a skirt.
The men's race had 100 competitors.
Helen Morrow of Millsboro won the women’s race in 21:24 just ahead of Abby Andrews of Seaford, who ran 21:33. Susan Dunn of Laurel was third in 21:46.
Eleanor Gitney, 54, of Elkton, Md., was the women's masters champion in 22:03. Teri Moore of Milton, 59, broke into the victory circle by winning her age group in 29:16.
The men’s race was cruised and crushed by Anthony Reynolds, 33, of Millersville, Pa., in 17 minutes flat.
Sonny Landis, 18, was second in 17:21 while Mike Sewell, 45, won the masters race in 18:10.
A busy weekend of fitness begins with the 24th Beach Paper Firecracker 5K at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, July 5 and the 24th Dave Reynolds Biathlon at 8 a.m., Sunday, July 6, in Rehoboth.
The sixth annual Outlet Liquors 5K is also set for Sunday, July 6, and will feature the fleet-footed Fuller brothers from Penn State. Brian, Mark and Kevin will attempt to duplicate a 2012 sweep when Brian won the Best Buddies 5K in 15:21, followed by Mark in 15:55 and Kevin in 16:42.