Click for a "pre-race" must see video.

Perhaps it’s the heat.

Whatever it is, 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 July Summerfest, which follows the race, at the bottom of this story.

That’s correct. It’s a 1-K. 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:

• It’s a fundraiser for Bluffton Family Recreation, with all proceeds going to BFR.
• 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.
• For the runner who claims it's too hot to run, the course includes two hydration tables.

Persons may register in advance (see the registration form attached), or 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.

Bubba C BBQ will serve sandwiches during the Summerfest.

At 2 p.m. is a 10-team dodge ball tournament. The tournament is already full, with each team having six members.

Logan Ross from Columbus Grove, will perform from 7 to 11. All Summerfest proceeds (following the 1-K) go to the Bluffton Sardines swim team.