Courtesy of Bruce Honda:

A bright and sunny morning met the race day committee for the last minute race preparations. The traffic cones and barricades were delivered and placed. The T-shirts and bibs were sorted and stacked.

The first ever Federal Way Farmers Market 5k/10k Charity Health Fun Run/Walk was about to begin. Months of planning were about to be unleashed on 163 registered runners from all over Puget Sound. From Olympia to Spanaway, Kent and Auburn, Seattle and Des Moines, runners descended on Federal Way for a glorious morning of fun.

Mayor Skip Priest introduced city council members Roger Freeman, Linda Kochmar, Bob Celski and Susan Honda, who were supporting Federal Way’s athletes as the runners took their mark.

18 minutes and 49 seconds after the 5k event started the first finisher, Austin Miller from Maple Valley blazed across the finish line. (SEE VIDEO)

A few glitches will be worked on as far as organizing the event, but overall, the majority of the comments have been very positive.

“It’s events like this that bring people to Federal Way and see what our city can offer,” said Federal Way City Councilwoman Susan Honda. “It’s all right here.”

Federal Way HAM Radio Team and the ERCT Van supported communications on race day, keeping volunteers and runners safe. Team Summers of Summers Chiropractic and Massage was awarded the best team trophy. The TJHS Cheer Squad encouraged runners at the finish line.

PHOTOS

To see photos from the event, click here.