Two of the top four finishers in the Sedona Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Series 5K, including the top female finisher as well as the overall champion, were current or former Sedona Red Rock High School cross country and track athletes Thursday, July 31, at Posse Grounds Park.

Kevin Alvarez, 17, crossed the finish line in just under 20 ½ minutes to take first place overall, while 2013 graduate and current Central Arizona College runner Mykala Seresun also took home a $25 cash award as overall female winner in 21 ½ minutes.

“You just have got to put it all out there,” said Alvarez, who once ran the distance in 18:41.40 at a cross country meet Oct. 25 in Holbrook. “Just knowing that I gave it my all would be enough.”

Seresun’s finish was nowhere near close to her personal best, which came as a SRRHS junior in 2011 when she once ran a 5K, or 5,000 meters as it is known to cross-country runners, in less than 18 ½ minutes.

“I am very excited,” said Seresun, currently staying in the Village of Oak Creek. “Running has become a part of my life.”

For the full story, please see the Wednesday, Aug. 6, issue of the Sedona Red Rock News.