Left to right, 2015 Step-by-Step 5K first-place finisher Shane Martz and Bonnie Blackwell.
Solomons, MD – Rain fell Saturday morning, Nov. 9 in Solomons but temporarily stopped in time for the 15th running of a local road race to begin. The annual Step-by-Step 5 Kilometer (K) Fun Run/Walk started and finished at Calvert Marine Museum (CMM).
The race, sponsored by Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse (CAASA), was first run in the fall of 2001. Earlier that year, Mike Blackwell, a Broomes Island resident and employee at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, was jogging on Route 264 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle. The driver then drove away but was apprehended a short time later. The race has been held in his honor. As she does every year, Blackwell’s widow, Bonnie, addressed the participants. “It’s great to see so many people [participating] who knew my husband,” she stated.
Of the 63 racers, Shane Martz, 33 of Mechanicsville logged the top time, finishing the 5K in 18 minutes and 51 seconds. Placing second was Joe Dowgiallo, 32 of Tall Timbers, whose race time was 19 minutes and 15 seconds. Finishing in third place was Jake Rupard, 29 of Port Republic with a time of 20 minutes and 29 seconds.
The top female participant was Laurel Cahill of Hughesville, who finished fourth overall with a time of 21 minutes and 22 seconds.
Medals were awarded in 17 age categories, male and female combined, with the top three registered walkers, plus oldest and youngest participants receiving recognition.
The race benefits CAASA’s alcohol and drug abuse prevention programs and activities.
Several businesses and entities donated food for the post-race gathering. The event was timed by Chesapeake Bay Running Club (CBRC). Results of the Step-by-Step 5K are posted on the CBRC web site at www.cbrcmd.org/
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
