The Fairmount 5k took place on Tuesday, August 7th in hot (~90 deg. F) and dry conditions, making for a tough race. We had a good turn-out anyway, with 17 kids in the half mile race, and 89 runners and one racewalker in the 5k. Michael Nothem, age 17, won the race overall in 16:53, while Betzabeth Garcia, age 17, won overall for females, in 21:09, followed closely by Naomi Chu in 21:10. Omar Martinez was second overall in 17:17.

Susan Stone was the first and only racewalker in 49:00.

The first masters' runners (>40) were Andrew Terrill in 19:00 and Theresa Jockers in 22:51. The most hotly contested age groups besides the high school and male 34 and under were the male 60-64, won by John Perez in 23:23, female 60-64, won by Claradene Stewart in 27:30, male 65-69, won by Bill Smitham in 24:18, and male 70-74 won by Bill Faulkner in 26:52. The oldest runner was Ross Westley, age 75, who won his age group in a fantastic time of 29:35.

Maddi Hart, age 11, won the kids' half mile in 3:37, with 9 year old Dafni Martinez in second in 3:51. The 17 future masters runners in the kids' race ranged in age from 3 to 11.

I'd like to thank my volunteers, without whom the race wouldn't happen. Connie, Jane Harbert, and Ian Monk at registration, Joe Baird, Rob Fisher, Mike Vanoni, Cheryl Ames and Jane Harbert at the finish line, Bogie D. and Kristen Raymond's husband with traffic control, Becca Hall, Liz Donaldson and friend at our water station, Adam Feerst for his race markings, Amy Lease for helping me with awards, and especially to Monica Ryan, my codirector, for all of her help.

Congratulations to everyone who ran and finished the race on this hot evening. The potluck after the race was well-attended and fun for everyone to kick back, relax and drink something cool after the race. Thanks to those who brought food, drinks, especially Jeff Young who brought additional hot dogs, buns, and watermelons, and to grillmasters Link Lubken and Jim Romero at the potluck. Hope to see everyone back next year for another great race!