The 13th Norman Bird Sanctuary 5k was run on Saturday morning, hundreds of runners enjoyed the beauty of Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point. All proceeds from the race benefit Norman Bird Sanctuary’s mission of wildlife conservation and environmental education.

The 13th Annual 5K also honored the memory of David Leys Jr., a longtime Aquidneck islander and friend who helped create this special event. After a courageous five year battle against ALS, Dave passed away in August of 2017

Maddie O’Neill, 13, of Wakefield was the top female finisher, while Adrian Massie, 41, of Newport was the top male finisher.

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...