Not everyone gets excited about running for distance, but for some, it’s the perfect way to celebrate.

That was the case Saturday when nearly 20 members of the Suter family celebrated the 90th birthday of Betty Suter by participating in the ninth annual Cat Tracks 5K Run/Walk. The event served as a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the Summer My Way program at Brandywine.

Suzanne Suter-Lowe came up with the idea when she was searching for an opportunity to train with her sister, Jennifer Scott. With her family gathering in South Bend, a quick search online showed that the Cat Tracks 5K was the only event that met her criteria.

“Jennifer and I are running in the Marine Corps Marathon together in October,” Suter-Lowe said. “She lives in Colorado and I live in Maryland so it’s the only time before then that we will get to run together.”

Cat Tracks attracted 137 participants this year, ranging in age and skill level as one might expect. Several of the participants were returners, including Brandywine alumni Sherri Harrell and Tyler Weedon. Both former members of the Brandywine cross country team expressed their appreciation for the race.

“To have a race support your school and kids is great,” said Harrell, the winner of her respective age group the previous two years. “I love seeing the school officials there at all the races and competing right along with the community. Kids and parents alike all join in the fun of the race.”

Weedon, who graduated with one of Harrell’s daughters, finished second overall. He ran this Cat Tracks 5K for the first time since its inaugural year.

“It brought back a lot of fun memories of running the trail and the swamp,” Weedon said. “It was nice to see a lot of familiar faces and seeing the younger talent that’s coming up.”

While they spoke about having fun, the fact that they were giving back to the community was also a key reason for participating.

Brandywine Superintendent John Jarpe explained how helpful Cat Tracks was to the Summer My Way camp.

“It helped fund the enrichment program that the boys and girls took part in,” Jarpe said. “That’s key to the whole program because those things really help make things fun. The morning portion of the program was funded through federal grants but, following federal rules, you cannot do a lot of recreational activities. With the help of YMCA and Cat Tracks, we were able to provide that afternoon enrichment.”

First-year race director Jill Haboush took over this year for Al Price who was seeking help to promote the event. The event will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year.

 

 

Cat Tracks 5K

At Brandywine High School

5K Run Male Overall winner

Elliott Hanke 17:45

 

Age Group Winners

0-6

Benjamin Ratner 18:54

7-10

Levi Haboush 19:57

11-14

Connor Blesy 19:49

15-19

Devin Tomlinson 18:18

20-24

Tyler Weedon 18:07

30-34

Daniel Cloutier 24:43

35-39

Matthew Morrow 19:08

40-44

Rick Vernier 23:44

45-49

Richard Suter 23:35

50-54

Ric Herrera 23:33

55-59

Mike Carey 21:23

60-64

Marlin Howe 22:42

65-69

Richard Lauer 23:03

70-plus

Kent Laudemon 28:15

 

Female Overall winner

Jennifer Swank-Day 21:17

 

Age Group Winners

0-6

Taryn Swank 47:43

7-10

Kierstyn Thompson 27:06

11-14

Kalee Thompson 23:55

15-19

Kailey Skarbek 23:59

20-24

Mac Kapala 26:18

25-29

Carly Hamill 26:51

30-34

Emily Carter 23:16

35-39

Sarah Conklin 24:34

40-44

Kori Watkins 30:17

45-49

Sheri Harrell 23:39

50-54

Lisa Suter 31:56

55-59

Michele Cary 21:41

60-64

Theresa Pipher 32:41

65-69

Sue Polishuk 37:09

 

5K Walk Male Overall winner

Pete Schimmel 39:07

 

Age Group Winner

35-39

Gregory Montgomery 1:01:34

55-59

James Morrow 40:14

60-64

Gerry Zacharski 41:11

65-69

John Jarpe 56:39

 

Female Overall winner

Sheila Witous 30:44

 

Age Group Winners

7-10

Elise Russell 1:06:04

11-14

Gwen Schimmel 52:45

15-19

Cassie Miller 50:23

25-29

Jennifer Montgomer 1:01:34

35-39

Ronda Sullivan 55:04

40-44

Annette Miller 50:25

45-49

Diane Janowiak 49:12

50-54

Julie Koch 38:49

55-59

Pam Behm 39:25

60-64

Summer Bursangsai 45:19