As 4-year-old Mallory Boudreaux grasped her first-place trophy after winning her age division of the Boo Run on Saturday on Lakewood Main Street, it was pointed out her victory was only natural.
Her name, after all, was BOU-dreaux.
Before the main race kicked off on Health Park Way, children's fun races were held on Lakewood Main Street. In all the races, many of the participates were dressed with the hope of winning the costume contest. Although several runners wore Dr. Seuss costumes, no boohooing could be heard.
The race does have its serious side as it raises funds for research and awareness in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Brittany Parker had an advantage during the Boo Run because she was being chased by a wolf, Ryan Hoppe. The Lakewood Ranch residents were hoping to win the costume contest.
Tani Parkinson of Sarasota ran the race as a bunny. Her friend, Priscilla Lopes, was dressed as a turtle, and was far behind.
Sherrie Hanrahan and Tara Wood of Riverview allow Lakewood Ranch's Nick Tullio, center, to color their world.
Vickie Barth of Bradenton shows she is in better shape than Richard Simmons.
The main Boo Run race is off from Health Park Way.
Grayson Tullio waits for the start of the Boo Run with his service dog, Hooch. The race, "Another Day for Gray," honors Grayson, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Leslie Davis, Lorrie Groover and Bobbi Miller of Bradenton all showed up to support Duchenne muscular dystrophy awareness.
Winning a race isn't all that easy. Just ask women's overall champion Chandler Bergeron of Edenton, N.C., as she tries to catch her breath. Bergeron, who attends IMG Academy, is 17.
Overall Boo Run winner Dustin Spanbauer of Bradenton stopped the clock in 15 minutes and 19 seconds.
Parrish's Katie Eberly, a ladybug, couldn't fly during the race. She had to run like everyone else.
Cat in the Hat Seth Jones manages to balance his very large hat during the run.
It can get a little nervous just before a Boo Run race begins.
Savannah and Seth Jones prove it ain't no big Thing to run with the Cat in the Hat.
East County's Mallory Boudreaux won the 3-4 age division run.
Lakewood Ranch's Sean Gast begins the race pushing his 18-month-old son, Brayden, in a stroller. Sean and Brayden dressed as Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Everybody wants to see their time following the race as the official numbers are posted on a wall.
Josephine Linares shows off her trophy for winning the 5-6 girls division.
Race sponsors provided participants with all kinds of treats following the Boo Run.
Sarasota's Findley Frost, 2, enjoys a magical effort during the Boo Run.
Plenty of trophies were handed out following the Boo Run.
After the race, swarms of participants packed Lakewood Main Street where race sponsors provided them with treats and activities.
Bradenton's Dan Jordan and Tampa's Theresa Moore ran the Boo Run as Forrest Gump and Jenny.
