Note: July's Summerfest and 1K was cancelled due to rain. Derek and Brandon assured the Icon that Saturday's rescheduled 1K will happen even if it snows.

The boys at Southgate Lanes – Derek Dukes and Brandon Falk - devised the ultimate race and it is Saturday. It even has a name: Summerfest’s 1-K.*

*More about the August Summerfest, which follows the race, at the bottom of this story.

That’s correct. It’s a 1-K. It starts at noon.

Yes, we know most races are 5-K or longer. This one is a 1-K. There’s lots of reasons for it, according to Derek and Brandon. Here are the details:

• The competition is tough - nearly 100 runners are pre-registered
• It’s a fundraiser for Bluffton Fire Department, with all proceeds going to the department.
• The entry fee is $20.
• There’s a pre- and post-race ‘beverage.”
• Awards are presented to the top three men and women.
• Several bowling pins will be racing (okay, people dressed as bowling pins)
• There a chance for runners who beat the bowling pins to win free bowling for a year.
• The course includes two hydration tables.

Persons may register from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Southgate Lanes, 9700 Dixie Highway.

Derek says that a Stratton Auto van will transport registrants from the bowling alley to the race starting point, which is Parkview Development at Main Street.

That way all runners will have the vehicles parked at the finish line, which is the bowling alley.

Summerfest*

Following awards from the race Southgates’s July Summerfest begins.

AS to Z Food Truck will serve sandwiches during the Summerfest.

At 3 p.m. is a cornhole tournament.

Phil Austin, DJ, will play music from 7 to 11.