Over the past few months, students from nine local high schools have worked tirelessly to plan the 4th annual Race for a Better Delaware on Sunday, May 27th. The Wilmington Riverfront 5K typically attracts some 500 runners and walkers – several families with children look forward to the moon bounce and DJ. The race begins at 9 am at Big Fish Grill.
Everyone who runs or walks will help support volunteerism and the Delaware Youth Leadership Scholarship Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation.
The day-of entry fees are $20 for students age 18 and under and $25 for all others. The Race includes free t-shirts, Seasons Pizza, music and a raffle using runners’ bibs. Proceeds will fund college scholarships awarded to high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership in the area of volunteerism. Seniors eligible for the scholarships are
- Jefferson Awards’ Students in Action program participants
- Jefferson Award winners
- Graduates of the Governor’s School for Excellence at the University of Delaware or
- Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference at Wesley College participants
Senior Faith Lyons of Tower Hill said that the race is one of the few 5Ks completely run by students. “We organize everything from the sponsors, to the cool race t-shirt, volunteers and race logistics,” she said. “When runners and walkers show up on Sunday we’ll be ready.”
Wilmington Friends Senior Caroline Connolly said that the community has been incredibly receptive of the student-led efforts. “We have gotten so much support,” she said. “I think it is not only because this is a great cause but also because people are impressed by the fact that students aren’t just talking about making a difference, we’re doing it.”
To support Delaware’s students and volunteers register at DelawareYouthLeadership.com or Races2Run.com.
