Othello Sun Faire still looking for basketball, running participants

OTHELLO — The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce is still taking registrations for walking, running and basketball activities surrounding the Othello Sun Faire next Wednesday, July 4.

A one-mile walk and run event, as well as 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer runs, begin at 8 a.m. on July 4. Last-minute registration takes place that morning from 7:30-8 a.m.

Registrations are also available at the Chamber of Commerce office, 33 E. Larch St. in Othello. The event had 160 participants last year and Chamber manager Jan Arriola would like to see that number increase significantly.

"Our goal is 300 this year," Arriola said. "I'm not saying we're going to make it, but that's our goal. I want to increase it every year."

Arriola emphasized that the Othello run is a good warm-up event for serious runners planning to participate in Wenatchee's Apple Capital Triathlon on Aug. 19.

The Apple Capital Triathlon takes place over two separate skill-based courses at Daroga State Park. The sprint course is 15.5 miles and the Olympic course is 31 miles.

To solicit more responses for next year's Othello event, Arriola wants to advertise in Spokane's Bloomsday magazine. She also plans to be in Spokane for this weekend's Hoopfest activities to distribute information.

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament is also planned for July 4, with the early registration deadline of $50 per team ending on Friday, June 30. Registration after June 30 costs $75.

Four age divisions (6-8, 9-12, 13-15, and 16-and-over) are in play this year and available for guys and gals. All participants received newly designed T-shirts. Trophies will be given to the first-place champion in each division. Medals will go to the second- and third-place teams in each division.

Basketball registration forms are also available at the Chamber office, 33 E. Larch St.; at Othello Sporting Goods, 745 E. Hemlock St.; and at Adams County Juvenile Services, 165 N. First Ave.

Check-in for the tournament is at 7:30 a.m. on July 4, with games beginning at 8 a.m.