NORTHVILLE (6/26) - Two lightning-quick runners, Silverus Kimeli and Denisa Costescu, made short work of a run that celebrates the year's longest day.

The second annual Fifth Third Bank Solstice Run, presented by Comcast, actually took place a few days after the solstice. But Kimeli, 24, of Oklahoma City, and Costescu, 28, of Wixom, weren't complaining.

Costescu, who once competed for the Romanian national track team, torched the streets of downtown Northville to capture the women's 5K in 16:37.

Kimeli, originally from Kenya, won the morning-opening Mustang Mile, presented by Michigan Radio & Television, in a sizzling 4:02. Then he blazed to a 14:18 to bag the men's 5K crown.

The first-year Mustang Mile plunged downhill for most of its 5,280 feet. Kimeli, aided by cool, perfect weather, edged Mike Irwin, 25, of Ann Arbor, and Ovidiu Olteanu, 33, of Wixom, who were both clocked in 4:04.

"It boosts your confidence to run that fast," said Irwin. "And the finish was incredible." Both the Mustang Mile and 5K finished in Ford Field, with a hot-air balloon hovering overhead.

Sarah Mills, 14, of Newport, won the women's mile in 6:00. Victoria Church, 12, of Livonia took second (6:39) and Cathy Paynter, 44, of Northville (6:42).

"I ran through cramps and passed that women (Paynter) at the very end," Church said.

In the 5K, Kimeli and Hansons-Brooks Distance Project runner Marty Rosendahl, 25, battled shoulder to shoulder.

"We rubbed elbows a few times," said Rosendahl. "It was physical race. Nothing personal. That's just how some races go down."

On the third mile of the 5K, Kimeli muscled into the lead.

"I was a little tight during the first mile," said the winner. "Then my body regrouped and I made a surge."

Following Kimeli across the finish line were Rosendahl (14:30) and Hansons-Brooks teammate Nick Allen, 22 (14:43). Dave Furey, 45, of Ann Arbor, was the top masters finisher (16:24).

Costescu's 16:37 placed her far ahead of the women's field. Next came Laurel Park, 41, of Ann Arbor (17:59) and Kristie Kieffer, 22, of Sterling Heights (18:05). Since Park placed second overall, Nancy Schubring, 43, was awarded the women's masters, beating all others over age 40 with a 19:09.

Events included a Kids Fun Run, presented by Foresters. All proceeds went to local charities.

For complete race results, visit www.gaultracemanagement.com. MR