CEDARTOWN -- It was a picture perfect day that ended with a picture perfect finish for Australia’s Kurt Fearnley.

The 28-year-old finished the Men’s Open Cedartown 5K in less than 10 minutes, with a clocked time of 9:45.1

It was also a Kodak moment for

Switzerland’s Edith Hunkeler and Spain’s Santiago Sans. Hunkeler, 35, finished the Women’s Division of the 5K with a time of 11:29:7. Sanz, 27, finished the 5K Quad Division just over 12 minutes, with a 12:03 clock time.

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Three top spots were awarded in the Men’s Masters. San Jose’s Scott Parson nailed a first-place win with a time of 10:43.6, followed by Kenny Herriott of Scotland with a time of 12:14.1. Third place went to Vern Achenbach of Snell-ville with a clocked time of 13:39.4.

In the men’s race, Marcel Hug of Switzerland finished second with a time of 9:45.5. Third place was awarded to Mexico’s Aaron Gordian, with a time of 9:46.9.

In the women’s open, Australia’s Christie Dawes captured second with a time of 11:51.0 and Sandra Graf of Switzerland rounded out third place, clocked at 11:51.2.

Cedartown’s hometown favorite, Krige Schabort came in with a time 9:46.9 to land him the fourth place title.

And as an unusual twist, it didn’t rain a drop. Famous for breaking a dry spell, the ninth annual Cedartown 5K boasted a clear blue sky and temperatures that were mild, even for a Georgia July.

Hundreds of Cedartown residents lined College Street and local side streets and watched as the athletes whizzed by.

“I enjoy seeing the accomplishments of the [racers],” said Angela Gridley, Cedartown resident. “The perseverance they show is truly amazing,” she added.

Nearly 40 athletes from 13 different countries around the world participated in the annual event that started out as an exhibition and prep race for the July 4 Peachtree Road. The 5K is now part of a series of racing, and is dubbed as a world championship event.

Many of the athletes, including Schabort, will compete in the Peachtree race later this week.

Organizer Dave Grove said the sense of community is overwhelming during the event.

“I‘m just as pleased as I could be by the community support, by the communities work, what the employees of Cedartown have done, and I especially want to thank the crowds,” Grove said. “I mean their support of the athletes is so exciting. I drove around the race course before it started just to make sure it was ready with our new race course director, and there were people lined up around the entire race course. I only get to see here because I am at the finish line. But to see people just camped out around the entire race course, I get goose bumps right now just thinking about it.”

Athletes say they enjoy Cedartown and especially the dose of Southern hospitality.

“Everyone is so friendly in Cedartown and they take care of all our needs,” said Christie Dawes, from Australia.

“It is great to see everyone come out and support our effort,” she added.