NORTHVILLE (6/21/03) -- The first-ever Galyan's Solstice 5K drew more than 800 runners to one of Michigan's oldest towns on a sunny first day of summer.

The race, which started and finished at Ford Field, threaded 3.1 miles through Northville's business district. "The course was pretty tough," said Richie Brinker, 27, winner in 14:29. "There were lots of turns and the first two miles were all rolling hills."

Brinker led a parade of Team Hansons U.S Olympic hopefuls across the finish line. Next came Martin Rosendahl, 24 (14:39), Kevin Doyle, 23 (14:43) and Joseph Gibson, 26 (14:49).

Rosendahl said Brinker broke the race open midway. "We hit an uphill and he took off. I couldn't match him," Rosendahl said.

Todd Kelly, 42, of Troy, was the men's masters winner in 17:17. "On these hills, I'll take that," said Kelly, whose PR is 15:50.

Laurie Decker, 43, of Cadillac, wore bib No. 2 but placed No. 1 among women in 18:25. The 2002 Michigan Runner of the Year is off to fast start in 2003, having run her first marathon in 3:01 in May.

"I had a good race today," said Decker. "I've done three 5Ks since the marathon and my times have come down in each."

Kathy Rink, 36, of Clarkston (18:56) and Jennifer Hampton, 23, of Novi (19:45) finished 2-3 among the women. Since Decker was overall champ, Marcy Kossak, 44, of Huntington Woods, was named masters winner with a 21:13 time.

"It was exciting to run through historic downtown Northville," said Doug Goodhue of Highland, who won his 60-64 age group in 18:47. "The course had a lot of hills, but the last three-quarters of mile were downhill. I enjoyed it," Goodhue said.

All proceeds from the event, which included a children's fun run, went to the Northville Parks & Recreation Department for projects and activities.

Complete results are posted onhttp://www.runmichigan.com . MR