Benbow, Dunn capture DFRC Irish Eyes 5K
The Irish Eyes 5K Run took to the streets from the popular Irish Eyes Restaurant in Lewes June 11 as the DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star 5K Run attracted nearly 200 runners and walkers for the eighth annual event. For 30 minutes leading up to the start, a thunderstorm moved through the area, along with a band of fog, soaking the participants in mile one seconds after they sprinted from the starting line. By the finish, the rain had stopped, the storm had moved east, and the participants enjoyed some cooler weather, racing to their personal best times.
The DFRC, Delaware Foundation Reaching Citizens With Intellectual Disabilities, is a well-respected Delaware foundation dedicated to raising funds and consciousness in support of programs that enrich the lives of Delawareans with intellectual disabilities. Established in 1956, the private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to identifying and funding programs based on community need.
Georgetown runner Enos Benbow, 29, easily the local favorite when he toes the line, ran away with the overall male title in a time of 17:31, while Susan Dunn of Laurel captured the female title in a time of 21:48. The male masters went to Mike Sewell of Newark in 18:13, while Mardiny Ung won the female masters in 22:58.
A range of ages always takes part in the Blue-Gold event, and this year was no exception, with 4-year old Grace Moore of Wilmington grabbing third in the girls' 9 & under division, while 79-year old Alberto Castillo finished second in the 70 & over male division. Tom and Charlene Jones and their staff once again did an outstanding job as hosts of the event; the post-race party is one of the best on the summer circuit.
The annual football game is the event that launched DFRC more than 50 years ago. It showcases Delaware’s finest high school students who participate as football players, cheerleaders, band members and school ambassadors. This year’s game, the 56th annual DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star Football Game, will be held Saturday, June 18, at Delaware Stadium in Newark with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Race the Triple Crown
The 2nd Annual Seashore Triple Crown Series, consisting of three events on three consecutive days, will be held this weekend in three different towns. The series will kick off in Georgetown Friday, June 17, at North Bedford Street Park as the 7th Annual Georgetown Library 5K will begin at 7 p.m. with proceeds going to the Georgetown Public Library. The series then moves to Milton as the first Irish Eyes 5K will begin at 8 a.m. from Irish Eyes Restaurant at 105 Union St. Proceeds will go to the Milton Public Library. The series will finish up in Rehoboth Beach with the 21st Annual Rehoboth Ale House Father’s Day 5K Run at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, June 19, that will begin at the end of Wilmington Avenue and the Boardwalk. Participants who complete all three triple crown events will be presented with awards sponsored by Liquid Board Shop on Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach.
Pepper, White win scholarships
Bill Degnan - Cape teacher, Cape coach, Cape friend - died 16 years ago, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Bill and I were coaching indoor track & field together at Cape High School and I remember it as one day he was there and the next day he was gone. Bill touched so many lives in this Cape area, from students to teachers to administrators to board members, that he will never be forgotten. A scholarship was created soon after his death, and the first Bill Degnan 5K began at Cape Henlopen High School. This year will be the 16th annual race, and this year's scholarship winners are 2011 state champions Hannah Pepper and Paris White. Pepper and White are two of the most talented athletes, as well as just super kids, that Cape track & field has ever had, and they carry with them traits of Coach Degnan like respect, dedication, hard work, responsibility and sportsmanship, just to name a few. Bill would be very proud of the accomplishments of these two athletes. Come participate in this year's race and remember Bill Degnan at 7:30 a.m., Sunday, June 26, at Cape High.
Upcoming races
• Friday, June 17 - *Striders Triple Crown Event, 7th Georgetown Library 5K Run, N. Bedford St. Park, Georgetown, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, June 18 - *Striders Triple Crown Event, 1st Irish Eyes 5K Run, Milton, 8 a.m.
• Sunday, June 19 - *Striders Triple Crown Event, 21st Father’s Day 5K Run, Rehoboth Beach, 7:30 a.m.
• Saturday, June 25 - 7th Jungle Jim’s 5K Run, Jungle Jim’s Adventure World, Rehoboth Beach, 7:30 a.m.
• Sunday, June 26 - 16th Bill Degnan Faith & Human Spirit 5K Run, Cape High, Lewes, 7:30 a.m.
