Another successful run in Soap Lake

SOAP LAKE - It was a cooler than normal summer morning, ironically, for the runners competing in the Not Too Stinkin' Hot 5k and 10k race Saturday in Soap Lake.

More than 40 runners, even a few from Seattle, turned out for the fourth race in a series of seven. Of the more than 40 competitors just eight took the 10k challenge, pacing through city streets and county roads, full circle back to East Beach.

Jesse Hallstrom, 18, finished first in the 5k with a time of 19:17, and Jared Faircloth, 29, was the top finisher in the 10k with a time of 1:12:32.

Sam O'Shea, 5, was able to beat out nine other racers with a time of 40:44 in the 5k.

Saturday's race was part of the Ulbfit racing series, coordinated by accomplished marathon runner Christine Quantz. Although the number of racers was down from previous races, many of which had more than 60 runners, Quantz was happy with the turnout, expecting some people may have had other summer plans for the weekend. Quantz said the seven race series is geared toward allowing people to progress in distance. The first race of the year in March featured a 5k and 5-mile race. She said the next race in August will include a half-marathon.

All participants were given T-shirts and medals, with the top finishers for men and women receiving trophies.

Police Chief Glenn Quantz, competing in the 10k, and Mayor Raymond Gravelle, running the 5k, represented the city well. Gravelle, like many other runners who had finished, stayed close by, cheering and congratulating participants as they crossed the finish line.

The Run with the Guys Prostate 5K, 10K and half-marathon is scheduled for Aug. 10 in Soap Lake.

For more information on upcoming races and to sign up, visit www.ulbfit.com or call 360-780-0900.