Coaches take first at hero's 5k
Runners and their families from across Delaware came together to offer their support in raising funds for veteran and first responder scholarships at the fourth annual Run, White and Blue 5k held at the Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus on Sept. 7.
“This is a family fun event,” said Development Coordinator Bill Wong. “And we are expecting a good turnout this year."
And Wong was right. This event set a new participation record of 450 runners compared to last year’s 350. Not only did participants and their families join in, but the local fire departments, National Guard and other first responders showed their support for their fellow service members.
Mike O'Brian and Whitney Hora, both assistant cross country coaches from the Wilmington and Stanton Delaware Technical Community College campuses, were the first male and female runners to cross the finish line with O’Brian’s time of 16:41 and Hora’s at 21:15.
“It's awesome having service members around the course encouraging the runners,” Hora said.
Veteran Tim Abbott takes part in races all over Delaware. He understands the needs of veterans more than most, not only because he was in the service himself, but his grandson was recently discharged from the Marine Corps and his father-in-law is a Cold War veteran.
Abbott said, “I enjoy running in 5ks. I am here to support the cause but also for the run.”
The youngest participant, 5-year-old Mary Carter, came first in her age category. Not only is the community excited to be a part of this event, but over 30 sponsors have joined in to support our local service members including the American Legion, the Wawa Foundation and the Delaware National Guard.
Following the race, friends and family came together enjoying the cookout and lawn games while the children explored the kids zone to the music provided by WBOC FM radio.
Assistant cross country coaches (from left) Mike O'Brian and Whitney Hora took first place at the fourth annual Run, White, and Blue 5k at the Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus on Sept. 7. Photo by H. McQueen.
Runners and their families joined alongside local service members to honor our country's flag before the Run, White, and Blue 5k race began. Photo by H. McQueen.
Video by H. McQueen.