Grumpy's Cranberry Harvest 5K, a race in honor of Robert "Grumpy" Conway, led runners along trails past the cranberry bogs on AD Makepeace's property in the morning of Saturday, Nov. 4. 

The race started 11 years ago, following Conway's passing in 2010. His nickname of "Grumpy" came from his resemblance to the Disney character, not from his nature, said those who knew him. 

"Bob was an environmentalist, a photographer of nature," said his sister Claire Smith. "He was able to become a mentor and a teacher through his photography."

Conway worked as a foreman for A.D. Makepeace for over 40 years, and used his photography to educate his coworkers and community about the area's natural wonders, said Smith. 

Smith said after he passed, a representative from Ocean Spray reached out, wanting to set up a scholarship fund in his honor. That outreach led to the establishment of the 5K. 

The proceeds from the race go to fund scholarships for high school and college kids from cranberry-growing towns. 

The fund gives out between five and eight scholarships a year, depending on the number of racers, and has given out approximately $40,000 to date, said Mary-Beth Weiss, representing the Cranberry Educational Foundation. 

The race has grown since its inception. 

Peter Beaton, a cranberry grower and former schoolmate of Conway who gave the race's starting call, said the first race had around 50 participants. Over 250 people took part in this year's race. 

"It's always the same ones, too," said Beaton, referencing how the same runners come back year after year. 

Mark Lauterbach said it was his family's second year doing the race. 

"It's the most beautiful 5K, just scenery wise," Lauterbach said. "And it's just a pleasant vibe [with] nice people."

Kaybeth Weibel said it was her first time running the race; her father had found it listed online. 

It was a "beautiful race," she said. "We'll be back."

Participants could take the race at their own pace, running it competitively or walking it leisurely. The top three finishers, male and female, in each age category, received prizes. 

Wareham resident Eric Holmes took first overall, with a time of 16:46. Marion resident Nancy McGee took third overall and first in the women's category with a time of 21:21. 

For full results, visit https://my.racewire.com/results/37687. For more information about the scholarship, email craneducationalfund@gmail.com.