Lutz's Fourth of July 5K: How to Register

Lutz’s long-running 5K race will be different this year. Yes, 2013 is the community’s centennial but runner times are also going to be tracked using an electronic chip system.

“We’re expecting roughly 600 runners,” said Terry Donovan, race organizer. “Last year we had that many and they overwhelmed our timing folks so this year we have to go with the chip.” 

Donovan said the Lutz Independence Day Run attracts mostly locals, but also those from out of state and at least one from outside the U.S. 

“A cousin comes from Barbados,” Donovan said. “He comes to run it. … His name is Jimmy Carter. I call him the president of Barbados.”

The course will begin on Lutz Lake Fern Road near the fire department, then snake over to the Oscar Cooler sportsplex, south through a “couple 90-degree turns,” and through Warrington estates before finishing up at the community center, Donovan said.

The 5K race, which also includes a 1-mile fun run, is a major fundraiser for Lutz Nature Park, the Old Lutz Schoolhouse and local charities.

This year mark's the 100th birthday of Lutz. 

"Every one is meaningful," Donovan said of the annual race. "We always celebrate something."

Want to sign up? Cost is $20 advance, $25 on raceday. Runners can sign up online at active.com or in person at Big Fred Auto Repair, 19301 U.S. Highway 41. The race starts at 8 a.m. July 4.