The Lewes Historical Society is pleased to announce a healthy and invigorating way to see the sites of historic Lewes and support the Society's cause of historic preservation and education in the Inaugural Cannonball Run 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Walk on September 12. Pre-registration is $15 and race-day registration is $20.

"This is going to be a fun way to see the historic sites of Lewes," LHS Executive Director Mike DiPaolo said, "we have runner's signing up already -- including several from out of state." The Society is very pleased to be working with Seashore Striders in presenting a unique race and a fun way to find out more about Lewes' rich heritage. The race includes a 5K run and a 5K walk or a 1 mile walk -- in short, a way for everyone to enjoy the sights and sounds on a beautiful late summer morning in Delaware's oldest town. The cannonball Run takes its place along with the Society's other popular events including the Antiques Shows, Craft Fairs, Christmas Tour of Lewes and the Fine Art Show & Sale; the Fine Art Show & Sale also made its debut in 2004 to critical acclaim.

The Society has been working with Tim Bamforth and Seashore Striders in creating a course that will take in much of the best of Lewes history including beautiful Pilottown Road, the Ryves Holt House - Delaware's oldest, dating from c. 1665 - and of course, the race's namesake, the famous Cannonball House at the corner of Front and Bank Streets. The awards for this year's race have been handmade by Burt Long, a Society volunteer, and Fred Hudson, the Society's long-time Maintenance Supervisor, and are replica cannonballs hewn from walnut and mounted on an applewood base from local trees.

The race will begin and end at the Society's Historic Complex at Second and Shipcarpenter Streets. Race day registration begins at 7:30 at the Historic Complex and the race starts at 8:30 AM.

Registration forms can be found at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce on Kings Highway, Books by the Bay Cafe on Bank Street in Lewes, Quest Fitness at the Villages at Five Points, or by visiting www.historiclewes.org/events/raceapp.html. For more information about the race, please call The Lewes Historical Society at 302-645-7670 or the Seashore Striders at 302-644-8952.

©2002-2005 The Lewes Historical Society