Running Event Brings In-Person Racing Back to Walkersville

FREDERICK, Md., June 19, 2021 — 358 runners signed up for the 2021 Frederick Summer Solstice 8K held at twilight on June 19, including 42 virtual participants in a new hybrid approach to racing. The net proceeds of the race in the amount of $22,876 were donated to Blessings In A Backpack, helping to provide weekend meals for Frederick County school children residing in food-insecure households.

“Our runners this year were extraordinarily excited to get back to in-person racing. While it was great to see the enthusiasm of the runners at our race venue, we were very pleased to accommodate those participants who were more comfortable with the virtual approach,” race director, Harriet Langlois, shared. “Our total registrations were only slightly below our record year in 2019, and the Steeplechasers Running Club is proud to continue its support of Blessings In A Backpack. Hunger hasn’t stopped during the pandemic, and neither have we”, she added.

After wrapping up the event and finalizing the donation amount, Langlois recently joined Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club treasurer, Crystal Tressler, to present the donation check to Blessings in a Backpack Executive Director, Angela Abrishami.

“We are so grateful for all the support that the Steeplechasers have shown over the last six years. This event has helped us feed countless children across Frederick County. The success of this year’s event will help us provide 7,625 hunger-free weekends to our area’s hungry children this school year,” Abrishami said.

This year, the race again took runners through a flat and fast tour of Walkersville, including Heritage Farm Park. Gabriel Worthington, of Takoma Park won the men’s race with a time of 27 minutes, 10 seconds, setting a new course record. The top female finisher was Shelby Shrader, of Hampstead with a time of 33 minutes, 45 seconds. 

Following the race, the runners, volunteers, and sponsors enjoyed the signature afterparty at the Walkersville carnival grounds as the sun set, with music provided by Triple Lindy and beer provided by Flying Dog. “After holding the race in a fully virtual format in 2020, it was incredibly exciting to have our runners back on-site,” Langlois commented.

The Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club, established in 1975,  holds four large-scale races each year, donating the race proceeds back to the Frederick community.

See steeplechasers.org for more information.

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Contact: communications@sandbox.steeplechasers.org