More than 100 run in 12th annual KAPRB cross country race

With perfect weather, more than 100 area kids competed in the 12th annual Cross Country race put on by the Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board.

KENNETT — The 12th Annual Free kids cross country race took place on last Thursday night  in spectacular weather.  The course was lined with parents, volunteers from Kennett High School cross country team and Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board members.  For the first time in 12 years there was a clump of 5 young boys vying for first place from the last 200 yards of the 1.5 mile race.   Cole Hiller, 14  edged  Liam Kauffman, 11 by one second in a winning time of 9:39 on the mostly flat course at Anson B. Nixon Park.  

There were 122 participants this year for the 12th running of the race which takes place on the third Thursday in July annually.  Many of the runners have done this race since the inception in 2002. The race continues to be  a free community event sponsored by KAPRB and many other companies form the Kennett Square area.  Baskins Robbins supplied free ice cream to all of the children to their delight. 

Kelsey Lucenius, 13,  (10:24)  was first overall female this year.  Kelsey also won the New Years Day race last year held at Anson B. Nixon Park.  Clare Mazzeo followed her in second place by 8 seconds. 

Claire Finfrock served as the race director this year and had the help of many volunteers from the community.  When asked how she felt the evening went, she said, ” It was wonderful to see so many children and their families come out for this great, free community event.   The smiles on the face of the children as they run is  a sight to see.” 

All of the children received random prizes, medals, ice cream and plenty of accolades from all of the crowd.  — Hannah Christopher, Running Editor

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