More than 350 middle school students participated in the Middle School Challenge at a 2.3-mile course at Whatcom Falls Park on Saturday.

Chase Mauro of Fairhaven Middle School placed first overall for boys at 14 minutes, 19 seconds. The top overall girls’ finisher was Madison Heilmann of Fairhaven Middle School at 15:22.

Grade-level winners were — Sixth-grade boys: Tristan Hurley, Kulshan, 15:47; Sixth-grade girls: Sarah Huffman, Fairhaven, 16:18; Seventhgrade males: Daniel Karcher, Kulshan, 14:51; Seventh-grade girls: Cynthia Lilleston, Whatcom, 15:51; Eighth-grade boys, Chase Mauro, Fairhaven, 14:19; Eight-grade girls, Madison Heilmann, Fairhaven, 15:22.

The school with the most participants was Fairhaven Middle School with 124.

The T-shirt design winner was Nick Eggen of Kulshan Middle School.

DEFENSE LEADS RAIDERS

The Whatcom County Raiders used a strong defensive effort Saturday on the way to a 55-0 victory over the Olympic Peninsula Eagles in Cascade Football League play at Civic Stadium.

James Lorden had an 107- yard interception return for a touchdown and Kevin Davis scored on a 70-yard fumble recovery for the Raiders (6-0 overall, 5-0 CFL).

Rob Knight rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown, and Toby Seim and Azubo Bearden each had scoring receptions for Whatcom County, which hosts the Snohomish County Thunder on June 21.

SKAGIT RAISES MONEY ON THRILLING NIGHT

Skagit Speedway raised $2,097.73 for Relay For Life night on Saturday that featured close races in the main events.

Travis Rutz took the main race in the 410 Sprints ahead of Aaron Fell and Steve Kilcup. It was Rutz’s second win of the season.

Brock Lemley finished first in the 360 Sprints for his first victory of the season. Brian Kirkpatrick and Cory Chamberlain finished second and third, respectively.

Marc Schutte won the Sportsman Sprints for his first career main win. Bill Rude took second and Paul Burdick placed third.

Cory Swatzina was first in the Outlaw Hornets and led all 13 laps in the shortened race. Ben Gunderson was second and Tom Warner was third.