​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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“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 RunAlso by Kevin Edwards: The 2026 Firecracker 5K attracted record numbers in Pleasant MountPerhaps, 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“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.Race organizer Lindsey Pender (center) presented trophies to the winners of the 2026 Perkins Race. Aidan LaTourette (left) took men’s honors, while Brenna Dahlgren (right) was the women’s champ.“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.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLaTourette 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.More than 200 runners and walkers took part in the 40th annual Perkins Run, which was held July 11, 2026 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.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).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDa