North Port woman dominates Boca Grande Fun Run

The second annual Boca Grande Fun Run champion - 40-year-old Heather Butcher of North Port - had an inkling she would win right before the start of the 7:30 a.m. race Saturday.

When race organizer Joe Wier called for all runners capable of a six-minute mile to move to the front of the racing field, no other runners moved.

"I didn't think I would win at first," Butcher said as she cooled down after the run. "But then I thought maybe I would when nobody moved to the front."

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The Fun Run champion this year was 40-year-old Heather Butcher of North Port.

Runners ready for the starting signal Saturday, including the eventual champion, 40-year-old Heather Butcher of North Port, front row third from left.

John Richers, 57, of Englewood finished second.

This was the first race on Boca Grande where runners were timed through use of an electronic chip.

The 4-Mile Fun Run ended at the famed Banyan Street finish line.

Butcher knew hr stuff. She ran a 24.22 race averaging roughly 6 minutes per mile.

John Richers, 57, of Englewood finished second in a time of 25:10.

"I got beat by a girl," he said with a rueful grin. "I kind of knew I would when I asked her before thee race what pace she was going to be setting."

The race attracted 143 registered runners. Full results will be published in the Sept. 27 edition of the Gasparilla Gazette as they are made available.