Martin Rodriguez, the Running Man

Martin Rodriguez is one of the nicest runners you will meet on the local road race circuit. He won two races last weekend, as he ran 18:06 at the Doug Strong 5K in Lewes June 3 and then returned the next day in Rehoboth Beach to win the Run for Economics 5K in 18:00.

Martin also won the Mother’s Day Remembrance 5K in 18:31 as well as the Wild Goose Chase 5K in 18:21 earlier this season. That gives Martin four wins in the last month of racing. I know Martin loves to race, but he loves to train just as much. 

What makes Martin so special is that he will not think twice about showing up to an event of mine two hours before the start and volunteering for an hour before heading out to warm up for his race. Last week, Martin was on site by 6 a.m., setting up the finish, checking on race-day registration, making sure water was at the finish, and greeting and directing the arriving runners.

There are not many runners who contribute to an event like Martin, and he does it because he loves the sport and it is who he is. He told me once a while back, “Running has done so much for me that I just want to give back as much as I can.”

Open track & field

Cape Henlopen High School coaches, along with coaches from Beacon and Mariner middle schools, will host open track & field nights from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays throughout June and July at Cape Henlopen High School. The track will be open to all athletes of all sports for 90 minutes regardless of their age or ability level. Whether you want to try the high jump, the shot put, triple jump, or learn how to come out of the blocks, it is a great opportunity to learn about track & field.

Go Fast Running Camps

Go Fast Running Camps is offering youth and elite running camp options this summer. The Go Fast Elite Running Camp is for experienced runners entering sixth to 12th grade. This camp is from from 8 to 11 a.m., June 19 to 23. The Elite camp will focus on refining running technique, cross training, summer training plans, dynamic warm-up/activation drills and other vital tools to help runners reach their goals. The Go Fast Youth Running Camp is for beginner runners entering first through fifth grade. This camp is from from 6 to 7:30 p.m., June 21 to 23. The Youth camp will focus on developing proper running technique, dynamic warm-up drills and teaching running games which emphasize having fun.  

Private coaching sessions are available for a more individualized comprehensive training plan that includes weight training, aquatic training sessions, core development, nutrition/hydration, and all of the components offered in the Go Fast Elite Running Camp.

For registration and more information about Go Fast, go to www.gofastcamps.com or call coach Derek Shockro at 302-983-6050. "A goal without action is only a wish."

Triple Crown Series

The seventh annual Triple Crown Series is quickly approaching and will consist of three races in three towns in three days. It will kick off with the 14th Georgetown Public Library 5K Friday, June 16.  

At 8 a.m., Saturday, June 17, the seventh annual Irish Eyes 5K Dash will step off in Milton, while the popular Father’s Day 5K in Rehoboth will be held Sunday, June 18, at 7:30 a.m.

Runners who complete all three events will qualify for awards.

Irish Eyes Series 

The third annual Irish Eyes Series has reached the halfway point, with three races down and three to go. Next up will be the 14th DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star 5K Run and 1-mile walk to be held at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 10, at Irish Eyes in Lewes.

DFRC 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. 

There will be a packet pick-up Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., where participants can pick up their number and T-shirt and beat the-race morning rush by heading right to the starting line.

The final two stops in the series will be the Irish Eyes 5K Dash in Milton at 8 a.m., Saturday, June 17, followed by the Father’s Day 5K in Rehoboth Sunday, June 18, at 7:30 a.m.