St. Paddy’s Day Races

online presents

Faith and Begorrah,
The Kelly’s Have Done It again!

Sure, the Kelly’s have Done It Again, the first Silver Striders in the Half Marathon, but who had the reddest mustache in Tacoma on this fine day?

Who else but Tony O’Phillippi Himself!

St. Paddy’s Day Races

By Jerry O’Keefe Dietrich
With photos by Bruce O’Fisher
2/24/26 – Tacoma
One of the most exciting choices of St. Patrick’s Day races found anywhere was right in Tacoma Washington. New York had their parade and Tacoma had it’s race. The wearing of the green was everywhere.

Twas’ as if you were in Dublin itself, celebrating with the people in Ireland’s largest city. All manner of costumes, hats and apparel bearing the shamrock, symbol of the “Shamrock Isle”. All was there to see.

The race itself, was a lively affair with Silver Striders out in force.
Led by Chris O’Fisher and Judy O’Fisher, the Kellys were not the only triumphant family. Mother and son, Judy and Chris bridged the generation gap as dual winners. A rare and beautiful sight it was.

Keith O’Lerew gave another standout performance clocking the Half Marathon in 1:44:13 at age 68. Keith was winner of an epic battle with Chuck Ricatti, age 65, a National Class runner from Durango, Colorado. Keith prevailed by a mere 19 seconds. Keith was the winner of the Senior Master division.

Here is how the National Class Silver Striders fared. Age graded at 70 plus.
Tina Williamson, age 62, time 1:46:40 (Half Marathon), age grading of 78.5
Jennifer Kelly, age 51, time 1:45:45 (Half Marathon), age grading of 75.9
Keith Lerew, age 68, time 1:44:13 (Half Marathon), age grading of 74.0
Chris Fisher, age, 57, time 20:50 (5k), age grading of 74.0
Ron Kelly, age 56, time 1:35:45 (Half Marathon), age grading of 71.6
Chuck Rancatti, age 65, time in 1:44:28 (Half Marathon), age grading of 71.6
Judy Fisher, age 82, time 36:44 (5k), age grading of 70.6
Carol Coram, age 75, time 1:04:35 (10k), age grading of 70.1
Steve Colmus, age 53, time 43:28 (10k) age grading of 70.0

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Here are the results in photos by Bruce Fisher