Hurricane Doesn’t Deter Wildwood Runners

WILDWOOD – Not even an Independence Day hurricane could keep 381 runners and walkers from supporting Wildwoods’ Vietnam Memorial Wall as part of the 4th Annual Beach ‘n Boardwalk 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Fun Walk.
As Hurricane Arthur made his way up the east coast, feeder bands of torrential rains and gusting winds blew westward off the ocean and onto runners as they made their soaked trek.
Traditionally the run takes runners onto the boardwalk as well as onto the beach. This year, however, because of Arthur’s fury of crashing waves and possible lightening strikes, officials opted to keep athletes confined to the boardwalk and out of harm’s way.
Prior to the 9 a.m. race start runners and walkers gathered inside the lobby of the Wildwoods Convention Center in lieu of gathering before the 58,000 names of fallen servicemen and women etched on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
“This is the fourth annual run,” said John Lynch, marketing director for the convention center, “But it’s the first run we’ve ever had during a hurricane.”
“We’ve never had a rainy day,” said Vince De Prinzo, treasurer of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 955. “And now we have a hurricane.”
Staff Sgt. William Lintner, a lifelong Wildwood summer visitor, was named grand marshal of the race. Lintner, a member of the Hammonton-based 150th Engineer Company returned to the area a week ago after his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. A Bronze Star recipient, Lintner may be awarded a Purple Heart for injuries received during his most recent tour of duty.
The City of Wildwood honored Lintner with a proclamation declaring July 4, 2014 as “Bill Lintner Day” throughout the city.
“It is always an honor to have a moment to honor those people who allow us to do what we do by going to war. America calls them and they do their job. For that we are eternally grateful,” said Wildwood Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr.
“We are very appreciative of these runners,” De Prinzio said. “Their participation shows how these veterans are not forgotten. We thank everyone for their support.”