Lucky Leprechaun 5K attracts 624 runners
A total of 624 runners snaked and slithered 3.1 miles inside Milton town limits looking like a single animal that took an hour to circle the town. The 12th annual Lucky Leprechaun 5K was festive, as always, and held under perfect conditions, except for a biting cold wind.
The young guns commanded the race from the start after the first call from the town bugler. The fabulous Baker boys broke away from the peloton, as Jason and Ryan completed the course in 16:55 to claim the win. Brayden Redd, 16, was third in 17:43. Seven of the top 12 runners were under 21 years of age.
“It was a young group at the front, and lots of families throughout the race,” said Tim Bamforth of the Seashore Striders.
Melissa Wiley, 39, was the first woman in 20:53, followed by Kelly Tyukody in 21:05.
Mark Baker, 52, father of the Baker boys and a lineman in high school, ran 24:39.
The top 55 runners broke 25 minutes, including top eliminator Enos Benbow, 43, who is getting back into running shape. He clocked a time of 24:57.
“It’s a long road back to getting in the best shape,” said the Salisbury University graduate and runner who now drives a truck for a living.
David Travis, 69, was once the top triathlete in coastal Delaware. He ran 25:45.
“I’ve taken 20 years off from competing, so I'm rested up and want to see what I can do one more time,” Travis said.
Matt Sparacino, 47, the Harrington Harrier, won the male masters race in 18:28. Lori Holdsworth, 63, won the female masters title in 25:02.
A complete listing of expanded results can be found at seashorestriders.com. Photo albums can be viewed on Facebook at Dave Fredman Frederick.
