Farmington Stampede Attracts Runners

FARMINGTON — About 160 runners showed up Saturday morning for the third annual Farmington Stampede 5K to raise money to help the Back to School Bonanza and Farmington High cross country team.

Participation was up. Last year, 125 people ran in the 5K that starts in front of Williams Elementary School on Broyles Street and ends in the same place.

The 5K started at 8 a.m. and a one-mile run started at 8:45 a.m. The one-mile race was competitive for children 12 and under.

Lauren Merritt of Fayetteville came in first out of all runners with a time of 19:04 and was the winner of the female open division.

Eli Hawbaker of Siloam Springs came in second out of all runners with a time of 20:13. He was the men’s open winner.

Other winners were named by age division.

In the one- mile race, Landon Phillips, 9, of Lowell, was the overall winner with a time of 6:37.5.

Gavin Spurlock, 11, of Farmington, had the second best time overall with 7:18.6.

For the girls, Camryn Cash, 10, of Fayetteville, had the best time, 7:36. She also won the girls’ age division 10-12.

Sheryl Cash started the Farmington Stampede three years ago as way to promote running and to give back to others.

“I just love to run,” Cash said. “This is another way to encourage people to have a healthy lifestyle and have fun.”

Vendors this year included Cain’s restaurant and Crossfit in Farmington.

The gun sounds and the runners are off for the 5K Farmington Stampede. About 160 runners participated this year.

PHOTOS BY LYNN KUTTER ENTERPRISE-LEADER KaraLynn Jansson, 6, gets some running advice from members of the University of Arkansas women’s track team: Keiryn Swenson (javenlin), left, Payton Stumbaugh (heptathon), Kate Tarver (800 meter) and Rachel Jantzi (long and triple jump).

Albert Mendeza of Siloam Springs, left, and Mike Taylor of Fayetteville take off for the Farmington Stampede on Saturday morning in front of Williams Elementary School on Broyles Street.

Sheryl Cash has coordinated the Farmington Stampede race for three years. An avid runner herself, she believes in a healthy lifestyle.

Lauren Merritt of Fayetteville won the 5K Farmington Stampede with a time of 19 minutes and 4 seconds, 19:04.

Eli Hawbaker of Siloam Springs came in second place for the 5K Farmington Stampede with a time of 20:13.