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DYBERRY TWP. — More than 200 runners and walkers turned out to celebrate a milestone moment for one of the area’s most popular summertime athletic events.
On July 11, local officials welcomed competitors from as far away as Florida for the 40th annual Dr. Perkins Memorial 5K. The 2026 event took place at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Dyberry Township.
“This was definitely an amazing day,” said race organizer and longtime Honesdale High School cross country coach Lindsey Pender. “We’re so grateful for all the wonderful support we get from the community. It just keeps getting better every year.”
More: Tim Nowakowski and Katie Kilker earn individual titles at the 39th annual Perkins Run
Also by Kevin Edwards: The 2026 Firecracker 5K attracted record numbers in Pleasant Mount
Perhaps, fittingly, two of Pender’s former runners powered their way to the day’s top individual honors.
Aidan LaTourette was the overall race winner. A 2023 HHS graduate, LaTourette covered the challenging 3.1-mile course in a time of 16:56. Meanwhile, 2024 Hornet alum Brenna Dahlgren was the first female across the line, stopping the clock at 18:41.
“I’m so happy with my time,” Dahlgren said. “This course is one of my favorites. I really think it’s fair and it’s a ton of fun especially when you get into the wooded area.”
The Perkins Race debuted in 1986 as a way to honor the memory of Dr. William Perkins, who was a lifetime supporter of athletics in Wayne County.
Local legends Fred and Cathy Howell created the inaugural event and helped it grow bigger and better through time. Eventually, Pender and her staff took over, but they happily acknowledge the debt they owe the original organizers.
“This race is a legacy of love that started with the Howells,” Pender said. “The energy today was just fabulous — such a great turnout and just so much love.”
LaTourette is continuing his academic and athletic career at Lehigh University. He currently runs on both the indoor and outdoor track teams while pursuing a a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
On Saturday, LaTourette crossed the finish line more than a half-minute faster than his nearest competitor. Factoryville’s Tim Nowakowski earned runner-up honors, clocking in at 17:28.
Rounding out the men’s Top 10 were: Arjun Vyas (17:42); Evan Fitzpatrick (17:48); Kyle Curtis (18:14); Prince Morale (18:38); Gen McCabe (18:52); Chase Predmore (19:10); Erik Lucas (19:27); Scott Holderith (19:32); Ryan Haggerty (19:37).
Dahlgren was the lone woman to crack the overall Top 10, carving out a seventh place showing. A journalism and education major at Lehigh, Dahlgren is a key member of both the track and cross country teams.
“I was really excited to be able to race at the Perkins this year,” she said. “I haven’t been back since high school, so I was so happy to run it. Coach Pender always makes it a great event.”
Dahlgren was in top form Saturday, finishing more than a minute faster than runner-up Tiffany Leventhal (19:49). Another Honesdale alum who now teaches at Preston, Leventhal won the Firecracker 5K on the 4th of July in Pleasant Mount.
Rounding out the women’s Top 10 were: Abby Kilker (20:09); Rowan McGill (20:40); Amy Neugebauer (20:51); Lani Mason (21:45); Annie Sherman (22:38); Gina Ditheridge (22:45); Gracie Hobbs (22:52); Margaret Schloesser (22:57).
Next up on the local running slate is the Wayne County YMCA 5K.
This year’s edition of the race will take place Saturday, August 22 at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex on the campus of Honesdale High School.
Rounding out the summer calendar is the Hawley Public Library “Run to Read 5K,” which will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Bingham Park in Hawley.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Hundreds turn out to celebrate 40 years of the Perkins Race
Continue reading...
On July 11, local officials welcomed competitors from as far away as Florida for the 40th annual Dr. Perkins Memorial 5K. The 2026 event took place at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Dyberry Township.
“This was definitely an amazing day,” said race organizer and longtime Honesdale High School cross country coach Lindsey Pender. “We’re so grateful for all the wonderful support we get from the community. It just keeps getting better every year.”
More: Tim Nowakowski and Katie Kilker earn individual titles at the 39th annual Perkins Run
Also by Kevin Edwards: The 2026 Firecracker 5K attracted record numbers in Pleasant Mount
Perhaps, fittingly, two of Pender’s former runners powered their way to the day’s top individual honors.
Aidan LaTourette was the overall race winner. A 2023 HHS graduate, LaTourette covered the challenging 3.1-mile course in a time of 16:56. Meanwhile, 2024 Hornet alum Brenna Dahlgren was the first female across the line, stopping the clock at 18:41.
“I’m so happy with my time,” Dahlgren said. “This course is one of my favorites. I really think it’s fair and it’s a ton of fun especially when you get into the wooded area.”
Celebrating a milestone
The Perkins Race debuted in 1986 as a way to honor the memory of Dr. William Perkins, who was a lifetime supporter of athletics in Wayne County.
Local legends Fred and Cathy Howell created the inaugural event and helped it grow bigger and better through time. Eventually, Pender and her staff took over, but they happily acknowledge the debt they owe the original organizers.
You must be registered for see images attach
“This race is a legacy of love that started with the Howells,” Pender said. “The energy today was just fabulous — such a great turnout and just so much love.”
LaTourette is continuing his academic and athletic career at Lehigh University. He currently runs on both the indoor and outdoor track teams while pursuing a a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
On Saturday, LaTourette crossed the finish line more than a half-minute faster than his nearest competitor. Factoryville’s Tim Nowakowski earned runner-up honors, clocking in at 17:28.
You must be registered for see images attach
Rounding out the men’s Top 10 were: Arjun Vyas (17:42); Evan Fitzpatrick (17:48); Kyle Curtis (18:14); Prince Morale (18:38); Gen McCabe (18:52); Chase Predmore (19:10); Erik Lucas (19:27); Scott Holderith (19:32); Ryan Haggerty (19:37).
Dahlgren was the lone woman to crack the overall Top 10, carving out a seventh place showing. A journalism and education major at Lehigh, Dahlgren is a key member of both the track and cross country teams.
“I was really excited to be able to race at the Perkins this year,” she said. “I haven’t been back since high school, so I was so happy to run it. Coach Pender always makes it a great event.”
Dahlgren was in top form Saturday, finishing more than a minute faster than runner-up Tiffany Leventhal (19:49). Another Honesdale alum who now teaches at Preston, Leventhal won the Firecracker 5K on the 4th of July in Pleasant Mount.
You must be registered for see images attach
Rounding out the women’s Top 10 were: Abby Kilker (20:09); Rowan McGill (20:40); Amy Neugebauer (20:51); Lani Mason (21:45); Annie Sherman (22:38); Gina Ditheridge (22:45); Gracie Hobbs (22:52); Margaret Schloesser (22:57).
Looking ahead
Next up on the local running slate is the Wayne County YMCA 5K.
This year’s edition of the race will take place Saturday, August 22 at the Daniel J. O’Neill Sports Complex on the campus of Honesdale High School.
Rounding out the summer calendar is the Hawley Public Library “Run to Read 5K,” which will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Bingham Park in Hawley.
This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: Hundreds turn out to celebrate 40 years of the Perkins Race
Continue reading...
