On a bright and invigorating Friday, July 24, 2026, in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, athletes of all ages gathered to participate in the Deseret News 5K race. The event witnessed a remarkable display of determination and swiftness as runners pushed their limits across various age brackets. This summary provides an overview of the event, spotlighting the leading competitors and offering a glimpse into the broader participation that characterized this vibrant community gathering.
Detailed Report from the Deseret News 5K Race in Salt Lake City
The annual Deseret News 5K, held on the crisp morning of Friday, July 24, 2026, transformed the streets of Salt Lake City, Utah, into a dynamic course for hundreds of runners. The event, meticulously organized, attracted participants from across the region and beyond, creating an electric atmosphere of friendly competition and communal spirit.
Female Competition Highlights
In the overall female category, Ariel Keklak from Salt Lake City, UT, clinched the top spot with an exceptional time of 17:01. Close on her heels was Nikki Todd from Coalville, UT, finishing in 17:07, followed by Addi Bruening of South Jordan, UT, who secured third place at 17:34. The competitive spirit extended through the age groups, with young Mia Favero leading the Under 12 division, and Emmy Turner dominating the 12-14 age bracket. Bridget Smit, a top-five overall finisher, also led the 15-18 age group, showcasing remarkable versatility. Britney Brown excelled in the 19-24 category, Rachel Niedens in the 25-29 group, and Jasmine Nesbitt in the 30-34 division. Seasoned runners like Erica Ward (35-39), Kitty Henricksen (40-44), Caisa Brown (45-49), and Karen Perkins (50-54) also celebrated victories within their respective categories. The more experienced participants, including Annegret Hickenlooper (55-59), Lisa Skidmore (60-64), Mark Ostler (65-69), Laurie McNabb (70-74), Christie Evans (75-79), and Gladys Buxton (80-89), demonstrated that age is no barrier to athletic achievement, each leading their respective divisions with commendable efforts.
Male Competition Highlights
The male runners also delivered an impressive performance, with Skyler Roper from Saratoga Springs, UT, claiming the overall male championship with a rapid time of 14:52. Trevin Lounsbury of South Jordan, UT, finished just behind at 15:00, and Ben Kirkby from Provo, UT, rounded out the top three at 15:23. The younger male categories saw Levi Dennis leading the Under 12s, and Xi Hazard at the forefront of the 12-14 group. Camron Johnson, a general top-five finisher, also triumphed in the 15-18 age group. Jaxton Skidmore excelled in the 19-24 category, David Olsen in the 25-29 bracket, and Jonathan Stiles in the 30-34 group. The 35-39 age group was led by Alex Anderson, while Clint Dalton topped the 40-44 category. Ryan Pierce dominated the 45-49 division, Adam Harlow the 50-54, and Evan Johnson the 55-59. In the more veteran categories, Gilberto González secured first in the 60-64 group, Robert Jones in the 65-69, Stephen Wight in the 70-74, AJ Smith in the 75-79, and Brent Scharman in the 80-89, collectively illustrating the enduring passion for running across all generations.
This year’s Deseret News 5K race was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the power of community and individual perseverance. The diverse participation, spanning from energetic youngsters to inspiring octogenarians, underscored the universal appeal of running. It highlights how events like these foster health, camaraderie, and a sense of collective accomplishment. Every stride taken, every finish line crossed, contributed to a memorable day that celebrated personal bests and the shared joy of movement.
