MONTAGUE – Montague’s Michael Keebler felt right at home on Saturday.

For the second year in a row, Keebler won the men’s division of the annual event, celebrating its 43rd edition. 

The 35 year-old Keebler ran the 5.5 mile course in 30 minutes, 14 seconds, about a minute slower than his 2023 time of 29:08.

“I’m really happy to win the race for a second year in a row,” Keebler said.

The course record of 28:07 set in the 1980s still remains, although Keebler hopes to set the new record soon, saying “maybe someday.”

“Last year I was a little closer to my peak shape since I was running a marathon in the fall,” Keebler said. 

Keebler has been running for most of his life. He ran for Boston College and has participated in marathons. He said that he lives roughly a mile and a half from the race route, and he feels comfortable running on his “home turf.”

Currently training for the California International Marathon in December, he plans to return to the Mug Race next year. 

“It’s the 43rd year so we have got to make it to 50 for sure. I’m looking forward to keeping it going,” Keebler said.

Montague native and 30 year-old Swansea, N.H. resident Anna Zilinski won the women’s division with a time of 33 minutes, 44 seconds. 

Saturday’s race was the first time Zilinski has participated since 2016, and she came back wanting to run in a local race. 

A total of 91 people registered this year, with 85 showing up to race in the 5.5 mile. The mini mug race, a 2-mile walk or run race, had 12 participants. 

Although the race was set on a muggy and rainy morning, race director Ann Fisk noted that the turnout was more than the past few years.

“We’re gaining [racers] every year, and there’s great support from everybody that a little drizzle couldn’t stop,” Fisk said. In an interview with the Recorder prior to the race, she hoped for an increase in turn out from the 70 participants in 2023.

Hannah Goodwin of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Rebecca Weiss of Montague were the winners of the mini mug race with both runners finishing at 17 minutes, 15 seconds. 

The race started promptly at 8:30 a.m. at 4 North Street in Montague Center, and ended at Montague Center Park. All proceeds from the race will benefit the Montague Fire Association and the Congregational Church.

Overall top 10 finishers

1. Michael Keebler, Montague, 30:14; 2. Mark Rabasco, Greenfield, 32:02; 3. Jacob Barnett, Whately, 32:15; 4. Matt Shamely, South Deerfield, 32:49; 5. Anna Zilinski, Swanzey, N.H., 33:44; 6. Luke Nugent, Greenfield, 33:51; 7. David Allara, Amherst, 35:57; 8. Cameron Woodcock, Orange, 37:34; 9. Marc Guillaume, Greenfield, 37:58; 10. Andrew McGuinnes, Groton, 38:56.

Division winners

Division A: Natalie Lanoue, Charlemont, 47:30.

Division B: Mark Rabasco, Greenfield, 32:02; Audrey Malloy, Easthampton, 39:36.

Division C: Michael Keebler, Montague, 30:14; Anna Zilinski, Swanzey, N.H., 33:44.

Division D: Matt Shamely, South Deerfield, 32:49; Sarah Nelson, Florence, 42:10.

Division E: Marc Guillaume, Greenfield, 37:58; Cinnamon Desgres, Northampton, 44:41.

Division F: Jeff Mish, Hadley, 40:16; JoEllen Reino, South Deerfield, 42:31.

Division G: Mike Murphy, Florence, 49:14.

 Erin-Leigh Hoffman can be reached at ehoffman@recorder.com or 413-930-4231.