The second of three planned 5K Summer Series races was a hot one, but a few dedicated runners managed to brave the heat.

Twelve runners competed in the 5K race on Thursday, June 27, at Posse Grounds Park, a number that was a little lower than the first race in May.

“These are tough people,” said Rachel Murdoch, the Sedona Parks and Recreation manager. “They didn’t make the race look hard even though it’s hot.”

The temperature read 105 degrees at the start of the race, but runners ranging from 10 years old to 68 years old took on the extra challenge and finished the 5K course.

Jason Blair of Sedona won in 22 minutes, 6 seconds. He placed third in the first race.

“My God, I think that hill got bigger,” Blair said as he crossed the finish line.

The course was the exact same as the first race, starting and ending at the Sedona Community Pool with two loops. Competitors ran on the Sunrise Trail as well as other dirt and paved trails throughout Posse Grounds Park, and ended with a jump in the pool to cool off.

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, July 3 issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.