The 1st annual Hot Summer Nights 8K lived up to its name.   At the 8:30 start time, it was 81 degrees with 98% humidity.   With 237 runners registered by the race start, we had 211 pick up their packets and 180 complete the grueling 8K course.  Just before the finish line, they were cooled off by the spay of the EFD bucket truck.  (see the photo above) Our overall winner, Ian Walsh of Bradenton crossed the line with a time of 28:41.   Our overall female was Christy Danielson from Estero with a time of 35:34.   Our oldest finisher, 90-year-old Jason Paterson completed the 4.97 miles with a time of 1:42:25.  The man is an inspiration.  Always smiling and he never complains!  We would like to say, congratulation, to all our 8K finishers.   Remember, it does not matter what happens between the start and the finish line.  All that matters is that you cross both!    Click this link to see all the results: https://results.raceroster.com/en-US/results/vg4m4s4zc4gjehuz

The after-party found everybody having a great time enjoying MFRE’s famous burgers and veggie burgers thanks to our title sponsor, Publix Supermarkets.    The ice-cold beer was definitely appreciated by all the 21 plus crowd.   A big thanks to Gold Coast Eagle.   Our newest major sponsor, Kia of Port Charlotte was also on hand and they brought a beautiful 2021 Kia K5.   What a car!   We also announced the date of the 1st annual Kia of Port Charlotte Half Marathon / 5K.   It will be run on March 27, 2022, starting at their beautiful facility on US41 in Port Charlotte.  Registration is open now, on Race Roster, with deeply discounted registrations.   Our runners also got their first look at our Outlaw 11.5 Fishing Kayak that will be given away on October 23rd at The Publix Half Marathon / 5K being run in Wellen Park starting at CoolToday Park.

As always, myself and my partners, Kim, Chris, Tom, and Kerry want to thank all of our runners, volunteers, and sponsors for making this event, and all of our events possible.   The Englewood Fire Fighters Benevolent Association wants to express their heart-felt thanks for all of you helping support their great cause.   We will do it again next year!   It will be bigger and better with a comfortably lit course for you to safely enjoy another great My Favorite Race Event, night race!

See you at our next event.   The Bocca Lupo Howl at the Moon 5K.  Gun time is 8:30 PM on October 1, 2021, starting at the Wellen Park Bocca Lupo Coal Fired Pizza.  It will be a howling good time!   Click here to register! https://raceroster.com/events/2021/44574/9th-annual-bocca-lupo-howl-at-the-moon-5k

Love you all!

Tracy, Race Director