By Clay Shaw

Celtic Solstice 5 Miler, Baltimore, MD, December 18, 2021—After a one-year absence, the Celtic Solstice 5 miler returned to Druid Hill Park in Baltimore.  A Pre-Christmas favorite directed by Karen Menge and Jim Adams (who now live in Southern California), since 2000.

Traditions remained with bagpipes, Irish Wolfhounds, and the legacy runners in the “parting of crowd pre-race” festivities. Kilted men, a very fast Santa (21^st overall Kris Kringle in 29:37), various green and red clad Christmassy runners.  The big tent was replaced with an open-air staging with several small tents.  Music was provided, as was hot Wassail Wine from Boordy Vineyards, and hot coffee and hot chocolate from Zeke’s Coffee. Sadly, the cookies and treats were still a no-go.  1729 finished the race, in ideal weather conditions.

Zach Kaminski of Baltimore won the men’s division in 24:46. Sam Brosh was second in 25:35.  Graham Peck of Baltimore, who won the NCR Marathon, was third in 26:12.  Jason Tripp of Columbia, MD was top master in 27:57.

Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Hannah Cocchiaro of Columbia was the top woman; her time of 26:49 was the fastest in quite some time.  Suzie Jakes, who won the Charles Street 12, was second in 27:44.  Robin Mildren was third in 27:56.  Kate Deanehan was top master in 32:09.

Top Women

1. 26:49 Hannah Cocchiaro 30,
2. 27:44 Suzie Jakes 37,
3. 27:56 Robin Mildren 31,
4. 29:00 Mary Reiser 27,
5. 30:06 Nicole Anderson 34,
6. 30:40 Mean DiGregorio 33,
7. 31:05 Courtney Wallace 24,
8. 3145 Nicole Dawson 27,
9. 32:09 Kate Deanehan 44,
10. 32:11 Al Tufano 41,

Top Men

1. 24:46 Zach Kaminski 30,
2. 25:35 Sam Brosh 21,
3. 26:12 Graham Peck 32,
4. 26:27 Lance Dockery 30,
5. 27:10 Arthur Leathers 31,
6. 27:38 Ryan Fan 24,
7. 27:54 Brian Faherty 30,
8. 27:59 Jason Tripp 49,
9. 28:11 Sean Caskey 30,
10. 28:19 Shane Hart 32,

Categories: Race Coverage

Tags: 2021, Baltimore, Celtic Solstice 5 Miler, featured