Runners support autism fund

Written by Staff Reports Monday, February 25, 2013 12:48 pm

Zach Miller, 29, of Brookhaven, Pa. (third from right) won Sea Isle City’s Fifth Annual Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism. Miller is shown with Erin Giampietro, 21, of Bryn Mawr, Pa. (third from left), who was the first female to cross the finish line. Also shown are (from left) Mayor Leonard Desiderio, polar bear plunge organizer Jim Bennett, run organizer Mike Givens and run sponsor Mike Monichetti.

SEA ISLE CITY – More than 500 runners and nearly 1,600 walkers took part in the Fifth Annual Polar Bear 5K Run/Walk for Autism, sponsored by Mike’s Seafood.

The overall winner of the 2013 Polar Bear 5K Run was Zach Miller, 29, of Brookhaven, Pa., who finished the race in 15 minutes and 38 seconds. The second place winner was Kevin Donnelly, 24, of Lansdale, Pa. Donnelly, who crossed the finish line with a time of 15:56, was the first place winner during 2012’s Polar Bear 5K Run.

Nick DeSantis, 28, of Blackwood, finished in third place with a time of 15:57. Erin Giampietro, 21, of Bryn Mawr, Pa., was the first female to cross the finish line, with a time of 20:02.

Additional race results can be viewed online at www.compuscore.com.

Prizes were presented to the winners of the 5K during a post-race party and award ceremony in a heated tent at LaCosta Lounge.

Prior to his recent birthday, Frankie Edwardi, 11, of Sea Isle City, told his family that he didn’t want any gifts. Instead, he wanted his loved ones to make cash donations to the Polar Bear Run/Walk for Autism. Frankie is shown after the fundraiser presenting a check for $955 to event organizer Mike Monichetti.