SMOKEY POINT — Although participation has been down at other recent fundraising events due to the economy, turnout was solid at the Berry Run, which kicked off the Strawberry Festival the morning of June 13.
Organizers estimated the turnout between 150 and 200 participants for the mile and 5k races that benefit the athletic program at Grace Academy.
Although the event was only in its third year at the Smokey Point Plant Farm, it’s an institution within the Strawberry Festival.
“This is kind of the kickoff event for us,” said festival organizer Jodi Hiatt, who was on hand to watch the races despite the 8 a.m. start time. “It’s been going on since I was involved, at least 12 years.”
Despite its longevity, the race was a first for many participants. About 25 runners competed in the walk or 5k from Kellogg Marsh Elementary School.
It was also a first for Carla Stumm Brokaw, who competed in the 5k race.
“I have a friend who usually runs this. She’s in Lake Tahoe watching her niece graduate,” she said. “She encouraged me to sign up, so I did and now I found out it’s for Grace Church, which is a great cause.”
Stumm Brokaw took up running 18 years ago at 32. She’s did a marathon 14 years ago, but prefers triathlons.
“I’m a completer, not a competer,” she said. Stumm Brokaw placed 59th among the 79 women who competed in the longer race, which is about equivalent to 3.1 miles.
Kelly Spady took first place overall in the 5k with a time of 15:33. Lakewood cross country coach Jonathan Murray was second while Marysville-Pilchuck cross country teammates Steven Utt and Josh Rasmussen placed third and fourth in 17:19 and 17:41. Thirteen-year-old Katie Bianchini was the first girl across the finish line, placing 13th overall with a time of 19:23.
Sisters Marina and Carley Wika placed first and second among the women in the mile with times of 6:33 and 7:55. Marina’s time was good for fourth overall, in a field of 63 racers. Stuart Montgomery, 20, had the fastest mile time, coming in at 5:21. Jessey Liam placed second, in 5:46 and Austin Spady was third in 6:27.
Hiatt said organizers wanted to thank Smokey Point Plant Farm for lending their facility and to the event’s sponsors for donating door prizes.
“Thanks to all the walkers and runners and Grace Academy,” she added.
Results
1 MILE OVERALL MALE
AGES TIMES
19-29 Stuart Montgomery 5:21
13-15 Jessey Liam 5:46
9-12 Blake Spady 6:43
40-49 Bill Young 6:47
60-+ Skip Nondorf 8:10
30-39 Geoff Simpson 9:09
8 and under Wyatt Penny 9:19
1 MILE OVERALL FEMALE
9-12 Marina Wika 6:33
30-39 Natalie Manavel 8:12
8 and under K. Huhta 8:24
50-59 Mary Archambault 11:33
19-29 Jessie Dionne 11:34
40-49 Laura Carr 14:04
5-K OVERALL MALE
19-29 Kelly Spady 15:33
30-39 Jonathan Murray 15:43
16-18 Steven Utt 17:19
40-49 Jeff Sowards 17:51
50-59 Mike Koslosky 18:27
13-15 Alec Northrup 19:15
9-12 Chris Bianchini 22:46
8 and under Colton Lindstrand 35:50
60 + Gary Beard 47:44
5-K OVERALL FEMALE
13-15 Katie Bianchini 19:23
30-39 Tina Pettit 20:49
16-18 Chelsea Sowards 21:00
40-49 Tammy Sowards 22:15
9-12 Samantha Northrop 23:56
50-59 Carol Swindaman 25:54
19-29 Amiee Hulett 27:43
60- + Fran Barnett 29:32
No one 8 and under ran
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