Sports - Ski to Sea

POSTED: Monday, May. 18, 2009

Ski to Sea Junior Race draws crowd

While the big day is still a week away, Ski to Sea fans were able to whet their appetites by cheering on racers in the Ski to Sea Junior Race Saturday, May 16.

More than 180 six-member teams competed in the event, which took place under sunny skies at Lake Padden Park.

The elementary school teams were the first out of the gate, starting their race at 8:30 a.m. The middle school teams' race came after that at 11:30 a.m., and the event wrapped up with the community race at 1:30 p.m.

Each race had five legs: an obstacle course, running, bicycling, soccer and a three-legged race.

Team Plan B, a collection of Squalicum and Bellingham high school students who volunteer at Planned Parenthood, took first place in the community race.

The team consisted of Sophie Curl running, Sarah Kerr and Gylany Crossman in the three-legged race, Tia Herdman on the bicycle, Bryn Hubbard playing soccer and Claire Janigo in the obstacle course.

They finished second last year and were motivated to better their performance in this year's race, Janigo said.

"It was a collection of strong female energy that came together and powered us on," team leader Tracy Dahlstedt said.

Ski to Sea festivities continue Sunday with the debut of the Ski to Sea Community 5k Fun Run and Bike Ride, which begins at Lake Padden at 10:30 a.m. and ends at the Fairhaven Village Green.

Reach Peter Jensen at 715-2264 or at peter.jensen@bellinghamherald.com.

RACE RESULTS

Elementary school race:

Mixed-gender (team name, total time):

1. Liminators, 26:01.6

2. Full Blast, 26:04.3

3. Dominating Squirrel Pack, 27:48.3

Boys:

1. Pink Paparazzi, 26:11.2

2. The Mustangs, 27:19.8

3. Game Over, 27:42.2

Girls:

1. Stink Eyed 6, 28:36.0

2. Hot Tamales, 30:02.4

3. Purple Puma Power, 30:03.5

Middle school race:

Mixed-gender:

1. MONSTER, 24:46.3

2. 5 girls and a guy...ish, 25:27.1

3. Sas-Squashers, 25:54.4

Boys:

1. Take Outs, 22:28.8

2. Trait Jojos, 23:04.0

3. Just Out of Prison, 23:20.0

Girls:

1. Rainbow Ninjas, 26:32.4

2. The Smarties, 26:33.1

3. Starbursts, 27:04.4

Community race:

1. Plan B, 24:12.3

2. Exodus, 25:04.4

3. At the Speed of Light, 25.10.1

For complete results of the race, see www.skitosea.com