One hundred twenty-one runners wait at the starting line of the Firecracker 5K July 6. | Clif Knight

The Firecracker 5K run, a fundraiser for Hartselle High School’s cross country track team, attracted 121 runners Saturday despite rain and wet roadways.

The wet conditions didn’t seem to bother Donny Barnes of Huntsville who finished ahead of the pack with a time of 17:03.8.

“The time is about average for me,” Barnes said. “but the rain wasn’t a problem. I loved it.”

Laura Bennett, a senior at Lawrence County High School in Moulton, set the pace for female runners with a time of 21:58.1.

“I clocked 20:56 in a 5K earlier this week, but the hills slowed me down a bit today,” she said.

A fun run followed the 5K event.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout,” said Kenny Lopez, Hartselle’s head track and field coach. “I felt if we could get 100 runners out on a day like this, it would be well worth the time and effort.”

Lopez said the event’s proceeds would be used to fund expenses of the school’s cross-country team next season.

“It’s also a way to raise awareness of our cross country program in the community,” Lopez said.

Mayor sponsors of the event were Pepsi, River City Runners, Fleet Feet Sports and Senator Arthur Orr.

The Hartselle High School cross county team hosted the Firecracker 5K July 6 at the Sparkman Civic Center. | Clif Knight

LCHS senior Laura Bennett was the first female runner to complete the Firecracker 5K race Saturday. She finished with a time of 21:58. | Clif Knight

Amelia Lopez, 6, runs the final leg of her first 5K run accompanied by her father, coach Kenny Lopez. | Clif Knight

Donny Barnes of Huntsville won the Firecracker 5k run with a time of 17:03. | Clif Knight

Runners begin the Firecracker 5K race from Sparkman Civic Center. | Clif Knight