By Clay Shaw and Karen Mitchell

12.13.25 Baltimore, MD—Julia Roman-Duval, 43, of Columbia, MD won the Celtic Solstice 5 miler for the sixth time with a time of 31:05. It was Julia’s first Celtic win since 2022.

James Heilman, and Zach Kaminski, both of Baltimore battled for the win throughout the race. Heilman broke the banner in 26:12. Kaminski was second in 26:15, just three seconds back. Adam Sachs of Catonsville, MD was third in 27:29. The first master was Benjamin Adams OF Ellicott City, MD who was eighth overall in 28:58.

Samantha Merkel of Laurel, MD was second in the women’s competition in 32:05. Jessa Fogel of Baltimore was third in 32:33. Kathleen Zgorski of Reisterstown, MD was fourth in 32:47.

The race was established in 2000 and had 123 finishers. The 2025 race had 2608 total finishers. Five runners have completed every running of the Celtic Solstice race. Shawn Pinamonti of Middle River, MD ran 33:41 to place 49^th.  Other legacy runners are Linell Smith of Baltimore, Jack Heisler of Phoenix, MD, Ingrid Pfoertsch of Monkton, MD, and Richard Krummerich of Baltimore.

Top Women

1. 31:05 Julia Roman-Duval, 43, Columbia, MD
2. 32:05 Samantha Merkel, 28, Laurel, MD
3. 32:33 Jessa Fogel, 30, Baltimore, MD
4. 32:47 Katheen Zgorski, 25, Reisterstown, MD
5. 33:11 Jessica Brennan, 34, Baltimore, MD
6. 33:26 Courtney Wallace, 28, Baltimore, MD
7. 33:38 Emily Ambinder, 39, Ellicott City, MD
8. 33:49 Sarah Thomas, 36, Olney, MD
9. 33:46 Jessie Yang, 41, Clarksville, MD
10. 34:26 Beth Blendell, 40, Middletown, RI
11. 34:26 Robin Watkins, 42, Washington, DC
12. 34:42 Sherry Stick, 47, Sykesville, MD

Top Men

1. 26:12 James Heilman, 30, Baltimore, MD
2. 26:15 Zach Kaminski, 33, Baltimore, MD
3. 27:29 Adam Sachs, 30, Catonsville, MD
4. 28:20 Zach Lassack, 29, Lutherville, MD
5. 28:36 Connor Todd, 28, Baltimore, MD
6. 28:36 Ross Kidd, 26, Arbutus, MD
7. 28:51 Eric Schuler, 33, Ellicott City, MD
8. 28:58 Benjamin Adams, 40, Ellicott City, MD
9. 29:32 Jonathan Cheng, 42, Baltimore, MD
10. 29:52 Braylon Frey, 22, Sykesville, MD
11. 29:53 John Locke, 33, Catonsville, MD
12. 30:01 Jason Tripp, 53, Columbia, MD

Categories: Race Coverage

Tags: 2025, Celtic Solstice 5 Miler, featured