Ugly Sweater 5K runners race for Redemption City
How ugly is your sweater? The second annual Ugly Sweater 5K, organized by Redemption City, and produced and timed by the Seashore Striders, took place Dec. 21, on a 25-degree day with winds making it colder at Cape Henlopen State Park. A total of 182 runners and walkers registered for the event, showing their support and many showing their favorite ugly sweater.
Redemption City seeks to help people experiencing homelessness find shelter while providing comprehensive and holistic care.
The organization is rooted in a deep conviction that every human being has incredible value, worth and dignity. “We may want to help restore that dignity. We strive to impart skills so that they may thrive in life rather than simply housing and turning them back out to repeat the cycle," says the organization’s website.
First across the line from Seattle, Wash., was 31-year-old Garrett Mohammadioun in a time of 18:05, while 45-year-old masters champion Mark Walchinsky of Alexandria, Va., was second in 19:24. Matt Dunn, 44, of Trappe, Md., grabbed the third position in a time of 19:59, while 18-year-old Bryce Willey was fourth in 20:13. Rounding out the top five male runners was 51-year-old Sean Meissner in a time of 20:17.
Melissa Wiley, the 39-year-old speedster from Ocean City, Md., captured the overall female title in a time of 20:57, while 34-year-old Justine Kline of Dover was three minutes back and hit the line in 23:56 for second place. Kristina Siladi, 40, finished third in 24:05, while Striders regular Tabitha Palkewicz, a happy 49-year-old out of Fruitland, Md., was timed in 25:49. Masters runner Jamie Hicks of Milford completed the top five in 26:33.
The inaugural race in 2023 attracted 112 participants, while this year’s event was up almost 60%.
Finish chute
The Race Into the New Year 5K is scheduled for noon, Tuesday, Dec. 31, from the Bandstand in Rehoboth Beach, and the Striders are expecting 400 runners to toe the line for the out-and-back North Shores course. The Hair of the Dog 5K and Plunge will be held in Bethany Beach the following day, led by organizer Doug Purcell. The Seashore Striders’ schedule for 2025 is at seashorestriders.com under race schedule/2025. More events will be added weekly, so stay tuned.
