Milford celebrates James C. Burns III Memorial run
Milford An overcast sky and a few rain clouds didn’t stop 64 runners who participated in Milford’s 4th annual James C. Burns III Memorial 5k race last Saturday. The event is held in memory of James C. Burns III, the late scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 71. After passing away while rafting with his scouts in June 2001, Burns’ family instituted the race to benefit a scholarship in his name, which is awarded to a high school senior each year, who may be a boy, girl, Venture Scout, or an Explorer. This year, some $2,800 was raised. Also supported by the race is “America Supports You - the Wounded Warrior Project.” The project’s aim is to assist the injured from war conflicts worldwide. The signature yellow ribbon to support the troops was embossed on all 5k T-shirts this year, and will remain in the design until wartime is over. The 5k, which is approximately 3.1 miles, began at 9 a.m., after an hour of on-the-site registration and T-shirt handouts. At the word “go!” the runners started up East High Street, and through the Borough of Milford. Racers ranged in age, from 5 to 57, and the eldest came in seventh place. The participants had mixed strategies on how to run the race; some sprinted out of the starting line, while others opted to walk. The first to cross the finish line was 38-year-old Brian Krick, with a time of 19:33. A second-time participant in the Burns Memorial 5k, Krick likes this particular race because it is in his hometown. “It funds a good cause, and it’s good that the people showed up,” said the top placer, who ran cross country and track in high school. The race was also a family event. For example, Dale Martin, placed 5th overall, while daughter Tori Martin, was 7th overall, son Tyler Martin finished in 19th place, and youngest son Trevor Martin placed first in the Kids 1k race. Others turning out included the Neidig, Farrell, Roe, Madson, Giblin, Mickles, Strenk, and Larson family groups. Alex Sorochinski, now a member of the race staff, directed runners around one of the race route’s corners. “Its important to me to be involved in this 5k, not only because I am last year’s recipient of the scholarship, but also because Mr. Burns was an outstanding scoutmaster and a real man to look up to,” he commented. Burns’ daughter, Heidi Hoppe, thought the race went well, with its largest number of racers taking part, despite the threatening weather and a competing race being run in Orange County. “I love watching the first runner come in, and knowing we had a successful event,” she said. Burns’ widow and Delaware Valley School Board secretary, Connie Kaden, agreed. “This is a great thing for the community. It’s great they can come together. Also, [our son] Keith is safely back from Iraq, and I’m so grateful my whole family is together to honor [James’] life.” Complete race results are available at http://jcbiiimemorial5k.tripod.com.