Race for the Ribbon June 4, Dos Locos set June 5
It’s going to be a busy weekend in the running and racing community as the Race for the Ribbon will take place at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, June 4, at Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, followed by the Dos Locos 5K at 7:30 a.m. at Wilmington Avenue and the Boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach.
See you on the starting line.
JWJ Beach House
The JWJ Beach House Memorial 5K Run & Walk attracted more than 500 runners May 28 in Bethany Beach. The post-race party was held at Mango’s Restaurant on the boardwalk, where awards were presented to the top finishers in each division.
The race was not about the winners or how fast participants ran in this event. it was about the house that was built by people who care. This week I received one of the nicest emails ever from Justin’s father, Craig Nantais.
It went something this… “Hey gang, a great day is upon us, take a moment and look in the mirror, we couldn't have done it without all of you. You should all be very proud of yourselves. In all honesty I write this email with humility and gratitude to you and all the friends that have helped in this hefty endeavor. As of this Thursday [June 2], we begin our first season of families coming to Bethany to have some time of rest and relaxation from their long journey dealing with cancer. What was once a dream that belonged to our son Justin has become a reality that belongs to everyone. Mary Ellen and I can't thank you enough for all of your love and efforts that went into Justin's Beach House. Each one of you need to take a look at Justin's house and see what you have done, how you have and will continue to help others in need. Every time you pass by, take a second look and smile, it was you that built that house."
Visit the website at justinjennings.org. The mission of the Justin W. Jennings Foundation is to maintain and support Justin’s Beach House in Bethany Beach, where families with cancer can have a place of respite and enjoy some fun family time. It will be a place of joy and peace at the beach.
Masser 5-Miler
The Masser 5-Miler, named after Dr. Lee Masser, who has more “gotcha” lines than a bait and tackle store, kicked off the 2011 Summer Series May 29 with nearly 250 participants taking part in the event from 8-year-old runners to 79-year-old runners supporting a cause and staying fit. This community brings a healthy and active community support throughout the town of Lewes for the events that are hosted there. The 2011 Masser 5 was year number 18 for the popular event that was won by elite runners Enos Benbow and Cindy Conant. Check out the results at www.seashorestriders.com.
Field Day week
This is Field Day week at Shields Elementary School, where for 21 years I have been organizing a celebration of events in which young athletes learn that it is okay to lose and it’s more fun to win. There are a lot of handshakes, high fives, and fist bumps from athlete to athlete as I hang teamwork and sportsmanship over the whole celebration. One learning moment this week came when a third-grade boy was edged out of the 50-meter “I am the fastest in my grade” dash and chose to hang his head, walk away, and not congratulate his competitors. After I informed him that he had run his final elementary race of his short-lived athletic track career as long as I was in charge, he thought for a moment and made a good decision to go back and shake hands with his competition. High school, college, and professional sports today would be much improved if coaches and parents spent time to lay the foundation when the kids are young and learning how to win and lose.
Upcoming races
• Saturday, June 4 - 4th Race for the Ribbon 5K, 7:30 a.m., Cape High, Lewes.
• Sunday, June 5 - 1st Dos Locos 5K Run, 7:30 a.m., Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth Beach.
• Saturday, June 11 - 8th DFRC Blue-Gold All-Star 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk, 8 a.m., Irish Eyes, Lewes.
