LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Fourth of July calls for cookouts, pool parties, and fireworks shows, right? For some, it starts with a morning run before all of those festivities.
“It’s amazing,” said Luis Quintero. “It’s a different way to get the day started and to celebrate such a memorial day.”
Quintero traveled to Estero from Miami with Erika Graceffo Castillo to join more than 300 people for the 8th annual Independence Day 5K at Hertz Arena, hosted by Elite Events.
“We came down here for vacation,” said Robert Guercio of Waller, Texas. “This is the third elite event I’ve done. They’re well organized, the course was great, the weather was hot but great event.”
It was hot. There’s no denying that. But everyone on the course had their own purpose of bracing the heat.
“I think it really speaks volumes to the dedication they have to running and to taking advantage of our great country and starting the day with a good run,” said Drew Hammernick with Elite Events.
The motivation?
Many people said one of their motivating factors was health-related.
“It kind of started about 2 and a half years ago,” said Lee County deputy Jim Hanley. “At training, I kind of was winded, and at that point, I just decided I’m going to lose the weight. I was like 260, and now I’m 205.”
Most of all, they wanted to show their patriotism.
“They’re dedicated,” said Hanley. “They want to make a difference. They’re proud of their country. I served in the military for 20 years, so I’m proud to be out here. It’s a great country. People don’t realize how good of a country it is.”
Jon Peterson had two things to celebrate at the race – the 4th of July, of course, and his 86th birthday.
“It’s a blessing, especially with my birthday on the 4th. It’s always a big day for me,” said Peterson. “We always celebrate it.”
It’s a tough way to start the holiday, but they all had the same goal: to reach that finish line and take home a shiny new medal.
“It’s a little bit tough, but it’s good. We made it!” said Castillo.
“I just didn’t want to give up,” said Peterson. “I stick by that old saying of Steve Prevontaine. Doesn’t matter how fast you are. It’s who has the most gut. I’m one of those that has a lot of gut.”