By Jeff Odom
Turnout still high
The Lutz Independence Day 5K Run has grown to be one of the largest events in the area and this year’s race was no different.
A total of 576 male and female runners of all ages competed in the 28th annual Fourth of July tradition, 20 less than the 2012 race record of 596, but more than a hundred more than 2011 when 462 people ran in the event.
Technology upgrade
For the first time since the race’s inception in 1985, electronic scoring monitors helped officials tally up times in a much easier fashion than in years past.
According to race organizer Terry Donovan, each runner competed with an individual chip attached to his or her official number. Each chip recorded the exact time the runner crossed the timing mat to start the race and at the finish line.
Because of the record number of runners in 2012, which overwhelmed scorers, Donovan felt the time was right to implement the technology this year. Prior to the event, organizers estimated more than 600 people would compete in not only the 5K, but also the Lutz One-Mile Fun Run, which followed.
Defending champ not in attendance
Last year’s winner and Odessa resident, Matt Magee, did not compete in this year’s race, because of scheduling conflicts with Florida State University where he is enrolled as a freshman and competing with the Seminoles’ cross country team, according to his brother, David.
Magee, 18, beat 38-year-old Andrew Chandler, a St. Petersburg resident, by a mere footstep at the finish line last year. Both finished with a time of 16 minutes, 15 seconds.
It was the first win for Magee in any competitive running event. The victory acted as a springboard for his senior year at Steinbrenner High, where Magee was a consistent top finisher for the Warriors in multiple events in both boys cross country and boys track and field.
Chandler, who also finished runner-up at the event in 2011, also did not compete in this year’s event.
