Grumpy’s 5k draws record numbers

Nov 3, 2019

More than 200 people walked and jogged through the cranberry bogs on a crisp, cold morning to honor the memory of Robert “Grumpy” Conway and raise money for educational scholarships through the Cranberry Education Foundation.

The 8th annual Grumpy’s Cranberry Harvest 5k Run/Walk was held at the A.D. Makepeace property on Thonet Rd., and included a record number of participants.

Three of the youngest runners were a trio of brothers who swept the 12 and under category: John Childs, 12, Andrew Childs, 10, and Paul Childs, 11. 

Although they are young, they’ve got a lot of racing experience, as John has run 12 5ks, and one of his brothers has run 11.

“I just like it,” said John. “It’s fun.”

“I just try to do whatever they do,” said Paul.

Several members of the Wareham Police Association also competed, including Joseph Silveira, Taylor Nelson, and Paul Somers. 

Even Wonder Woman, also known as Wareham’s Donna Simmons, showed up to compete.

“I’m really pleased. I think the weather was perfect,” said Claire Smith, Conway’s brother and the organizer of the event.

The runners who came in first place in each gender and age category won a bluebird box full of cranberries. Conway worked in the cranberry bogs for more than 45 years and was a devoted naturalist and photographer.

When he noticed the population of Eastern Bluebirds was dwindling, he convinced a number of cranberry growers to put bluebird boxes in their bogs, in an effort that was so successful he was recognized for his work with an award.

For more about the Cranberry Educational Foundation, go to www.facebook.com/cranberryeducation.

Complete results from the race are available at my.racewire.com/results/36166.