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7 years ago this month I had a vision to create a road race that had never been done before in the Wildwoods.
7 years ago this month I had a vision to create a road race that had never been done before in the Wildwoods. My dream was to have our very own version of the The Dogfish Dash in Milton, DE. As you may or may not know, the Dogfish Dash is a road race held annually at the Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, DE hosting well over 1000 runners. It's a celebration of 2 things: running and delicious beer. I love both of those things and thought, "Why can't we do that here in Wildwood?" With that, I texted Brendan Sciarra...
What You Need To Know About Brendan and His Family: Brendan became inspired to launch several keystone businesses in the Wildwood’s ... Island Landscaping, Poppi’s, Dogtooth, MudHen Brewing Co, The Hen Houses, and Sciarra Contracting. Mike and Dee Sciarra, long time residents and business owners of Kona Surf Company, have been an integral part of the process since Brendan started his first t-shirt business, Ground Swell Apparel, at 13 years old. Robin, who at the time worked alongside Brendan as a bus boy at Monzo’s in Wildwood Crest, was his first salesperson and biggest cheerleader. Not much has changed since then. Brendan is continually investing in real estate and working hard in operations, while Robin is continually cultivating new ideas, supporting him through the creative design + branding process. Together they are blessed beyond measure and grateful for the continual support of their community.
...he texted me back, "Let's do it." That was it. No contract. Not even a handshake.
The rest is history.That first year in 2018 was not the vision I had. Yet, over the past 6 years the race has gone through many iterations, and I am proud of its evolution. From an expertly produced half marathon, 5k, & kid's race, to a socially distanced, escape from the pandemic, seawall run in 2021, to what we ultimately have evolved into; our original vision of a world class road road race with delicious beer held directly in front of the MudHen Brewing Company on Rio Grande Avenue in Wildwood, NJ. Our Friday Night IPA 5k will have close to 1000 runners this year, our most ever. I am proud to say we were the MudHen's first ever special event, we even have the picture to prove it.
I would like to express my gratitude to Brendan, Robin, and the entire Sciarra Family and organization for taking a chance on an idea and a pint. Cheers to you and your success and we look forward to many more years of bringing runners, family and friends to the Wildwoods!
Stephen & Jamie Del Monte
