The heat is on!

While the Fergus Falls Area Race Series might not yet have national acclaim, perhaps 2016 is the year that it becomes regionally known among dozens. Following another beautiful Running Wild event at Maplewood State Park, our leaderboard is showing the depth of running talent throughout our region.

Last year, Joellen Kohlman-Petrick finished third in the series and received our "No Excuses" award for competing with a new baby boy in utero. This year, less encumbered, she's tearing up the series with strong finishes in both races and finds herself on top of the field with 293.84 points. But resting is not an option, as FFAR member Lynn Wolters trails by just 5 points with Jess Knutson and Mary Ellen Tungseth nipping at their heels. Close behind are veterans Rhonda Magel of Fargo and St. Cloud's Chris Haukos, whose appearances back on her home turf are a welcome sight for those who remember her impressive wins of yesteryear.

The youth pacers are making things interesting over on the men's side. Cameron Larson, Hans-Frank Holzner, and Sean Pickle haven't graduated from high school yet, but they are giving lessons on how to run a race. Larson has opened up a comfortable lead over veteran runner Roger Miller from West Fargo, who himself is in a close contest with last year's series champion Nick Mariotti. Pickle, at 11, is one of the strongest young competitors to show up in the series standings, and is following in the footsteps of his mom, Chris Haukos, as they bring a 1-2 St. Cloud punch to Fergus Falls.

The series now takes a short break until July's Hoot Lake Triathlon. Time to pull the bike out of the garage and find those swim goggles. Big points await those that can do more than just run! And if you are a one-trick pony, as many of us are, find some friends and team up to keep those points flowing in.