Local sports on display at Pullman's Lentil Festival

PULLMAN - Moving the Lentil Festival from a two-day event to a single day created a morning, afternoon and evening full of sports activities for this years Saturday, Aug. 19.

More than 100 runners took part in Saturday morning's Tase T. Lentil 5k Fun Run, which started by the train depot, looped around the community, as well as around the Washington State University campus.

Runners raced by Beasley Coliseum, where the men's and women's basketball teams play, and Martin Stadium, where the Cougars football team plays.

For children in grades 3-12, there was an all-day, 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

The event used four courts, with each having hoops - and the 3-point mark - appropriately sized for the age group assigned.

The tournament was a great success, organizers said, with many parents expressing their appreciation.

Several said they hope the hoops tournament expands, or multiplies in to more events.

The tournament began as the Lentil Festival parade ended, so parents and children could watch the end of the parade while waiting for their game to start.

The games were also close to vendors and live music, which helped set the tournament mood.

The Co-Ed Softball tournament also was going on at the same time as the basketball tournament.

The tournament was played with each game lasting 7 innings or until reaching a time limit set to keep the flow of the tournament.

This tournament is not the only co-ed softball offered in Whitman County.

In Pullman, softball is offered in the summer and spring.

Pullman Parks and Recreation is working on more opportunities for softball in the area.