Runners from Conway & Hot Springs take Watermelon 5K

The Hope Watermelon Festival 5k Race was off to a lively start as runners tore away from the start line Saturday morning. Spectators cheered on the runners. The winner of the race was Thomas Caine from Conway, AR with a time of 15 minutes and 44 seconds. The fastest female was Brendal Brunet, from Hot Springs with a time of 20 minutes. Her coach, Jeff Paynes, said she had the biggest heart. She passed out water bottles after the race as she does when she races elsewhere. Brendal does cross-country and track at school. She said she loves cross country. All photos by Eric Mclaurin