Ship Bottom 'Sprint For Life' 5K Coming Up On Saturday

She runs for her dad.

Maria Pennisi, the race director for the Ship Bottom Sprint for Life, came by her decision the hard way. She watched her dad fight for his life when he was diagnosed with leukemia back in August 2001.

"Knowing nothing about the illness at that time, I honestly remember my first thought foolishly being “he’ll be ok; at least it’s not cancer,” she recalled "How wrong I was."

He gave it quite a fight. He lived for another eight years, most of it in remission. But sadly, his disease returned in November 2008 and he died on March 14, 2009.

Maria vowed to help find a cure. She came up with the Sprint for Life. Fourteen years later, the organization has raised $95,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"This event is my tribute to him, together in the honor and memory of the countless other brave individuals battling or who have lost their battle with these illnesses," she said. "As such, we will continue to hold the Sprint and raise money for research until there is a cure for blood-related cancers."

Registration is on Saturday at the boat ramp. The fee for the 5K race and the two-mile fitness walk is $27, $32 for the race and the after party. The 5K race kicks off at 12:30, followed by the two-mile walk at 12:32. There is also a Kidz Mini Sprint.

Image: Ship Bottom Sprint for Life