Runners of all ages participate in Franklin County Watermelon Festival 5K and Fun Run

The 45th Annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival held its 5K and one-mile Fun Run at Russellville High School on Saturday morning. Over 200 individuals participated in the events.

Results of the 5K run were provided to the Franklin Free Press. Runners were grouped by age and gender.

Coming in first overall among all runners was Cody Hill, 23, of Russellville who completed the race in 17:06.78. He was the Male Overall Award winner.

The Female Overall Award winner was Braely Taylor, 26, of Hamilton who finished the 5K with a time of 21:47.90.

The Male Masters Award winner was Christopher Smith, 55, of Russellville who came in with a time of 26:54.79. The Female Masters Award winner was April Creek, 44, of Florence who finished in 30:33.93.

Grouped by age and gender, other top finishers included…

- Male, age 13-19: Anthony Bautista, Russellville (19:05.82)
- Female, 13-19: Raylee Black, Corinth, MS (23:54.95)
- Male, 20-29: Dylan Valdez, Russellville (21:04.94)
- Female 20-29: Taylor Barkley, Moulton (27:18.11)
- Male, 30-39: James Stephenson, Tupelo, MS (20:05.31)
- Female, 30-39: Anonymous (24:15.68)
- Male, 40-49: Brandon Stoll, Muscle Shoals (27:53.37)
- Female, 40-49: Katy Cruz, Russellville (32:09.39)
- Male, 50-59: Brian Mount, Eastaboga (30:41.09)
- Female, 50-59: Barbara Graviet, Ardmore (31:09.60)
- Male, 60-69: Joseph Reid, Pike Road (29:14.51)
- Female, 60-69: Sheryl Costa, Hamilton (34:46.61)
- Male, 70-99: Ronnie Cartwright, Rising Fawn, GA (39:44.84)
- Female 70-99: Linda Brewer, Florence (52:55.03)

There were also four female 12-and-under participants in the 5K.

Proceeds from the 5K and Fun Run help benefit the Russellville High School cross country program. Photos from the events can be found on the Russellville Golden Tiger XC Facebook page.