The 20th annual running of the Boo Run was close to not happening.
But early Saturday morning, with a full moon sitting in full view of 500 runners in the FCCI Insurance Group parking lot in Lakewood Ranch, the Boo Run went off as scheduled.
Jen Tullio, who was acting as Boo Run race director for the 15th year, was having a tough time handling her usual pre-race responsibilities as she went through treatment earlier this year for breast cancer.
But when Tullio thought that she might have to cancel the event, Carl Albano of the Lakewood Ranch Running Club took over as race director and the club's members did everything necessary to keep the event alive.
Funds for the event go toward the Another Day for Gray Foundation and the Humane Society at Lakewood Ranch.
The Grayson of Another Day for Gray is Tullio's son Grayson Tullio, who has Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
"The 20th is a big deal," Jen Tullio said of the race. "The year before COVID we had 1,000 runners. The year after, we had 300 runners, and now we are slowly building back."
Jen Tullio said some funds from the race go to the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, which has provided support for research that has led to a new steroid that "will buy those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy more time" as a cure is sought.
"This is making a difference," she said of the race.
The Boo Run is invaded by zombie cheerleaders Morgan Ross and McKenna White of Lakewood Ranch. While the both were set to run, Ross said, "It doesn't mean I'm good at it."
Photo by Jay Heater
Jen Tullio, Grayson Tullio and Monika Oberer celebrate the finish of another successful Boo Run, which drew approximately 500 runners on Saturday to Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's David Proudfoot was smiling, and all alone, at the finish as he won the Boo Run for the second consecutive year, this time in 16:29.
Photo by Jay Heater
The medals at lined up at the finish line, awaiting the finishers.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sarasota's Kate Gerber brought her 2-year-old son Benjamin because she wanted him to experience the race for the first time.
Photo by Jay Heater
Among those putting together the Boo Run are Alex Figueroa, Jen Tullio, Brooke Allen-Burnstein, Christine Rouse, Tammra Hellemn and Race Director Carl Albano.
Photo by Jay Heater
Runners begin the 20th annual Boo Run on Saturday in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
Those competing on wheels kick off the 20th annual Boo Run Saturday in Lakewood Ranch.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sarasota's Alice Nouri, 12, was a running ace even though she was dressed as the Queen of Hearts in the Boo Run.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Fernanda Scalera, who is 54, was the overall women's winner in the Boo Run. She covered the 5K course in 19:58.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch Running Club volunteer Christine Rouse gives out medals at the finish line. Her shirt says, "My boom is broke, so now I am running."
Photo by Jay Heater
Fit to Run Ambassador Inga Shalmiyeva, who is a health coach for Discover Health in Bradenton, crosses the finish line of the Boo Run.
Photo by Jay Heater
Palmetto's Alvin Ducre does a little dancing after finishing the Boo Run. Ducre is a regular supporter of the race.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Nate VanPeenen said he would figure out how to run a 5K in a banana costume during the Boo Run. Considering he is about to cross the finish line, he did.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Matt Bertrand ordered his costume two days before the Boo Run because it could be sent overnight delivery. Unfortunately, it was not a breathable suit and he was soaked before starting the race.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Regina Morris and Joan Novak went together like pepper and salt and crossed the finish line of the Boo Run at the same time.
Photo by Jay Heater
Lakewood Ranch's Maddie McDonnell, 8, was a bright spot in the Boo Run.
Photo by Jay Heater
Matthew Sonneman, vice president of sales of Sonneman — A Way of Light, flew from New York City just to support the Boo Run charities. He is with Shawna Spaziani, Monika Oberer and Woodford Joseph.
Photo by Jay Heater
Bradenton's Jacob Woodard finishes the Boo Run in his Cheetos outfit. "I am in love with Flamin' Hot Cheetos," he said.
Photo by Jay Heater
Sarasota's Charlotte Cook, 2, and Savannah Cook, 4, prepare for the Boo Run before the sun comes up in Lakewood Ranch.
Jay Heater is the managing editor of the East County Observer. Overall, he has been in the business more than 41 years, 26 spent at the Contra Costa Times in the San Francisco Bay area as a sportswriter covering college football and basketball, boxing and horse racing.
