As I look ahead toward the 4th of July, not only do I feel the true sense and honor to be an American and living in a free world, but I also feel a freedom from the bondages we have all felt the past 16 months. Responsible behavior prevails, but the trepidation and fear seem to be melting away, yielding to much of what we knew “before.”

MTC’s Q2 racing series events, the Python Run and SUP & RUN 5K were held in person in April and May respectively, and by all accounts, wildly successful. On June 8th, led by board member Jennifer Gallagher and member Michelle Field, MTC hosted the first Kids’ Summer Beach Run in two years. With the first four runs behind us, we have the entire month of July to look forward to. Speaking of things to look forward to, MTC has created “Club Connect” events.

Our first ever Club Connect was held on June 12th at Bee Ridge Park and hosted by MTC board member, Mary Murphy. Club Connect events are meant to bring new and existing members of the club together, encouraging members to mingle, run or walk a 5K course, and meet new friends. The next Club Connect will be hosted by board member Julie Berling, on Saturday July 10th, 7AM at Centennial Park in Venice. Watch your email for information on the August and September Club Connect events, which will lead us right into the fall racing season.

We know what the fall brings, BILL’s BEER RUN! As the sole MTC fundraising event of the year, we hope you will get involved. There are a few spots left to register and 2021 BBR Sponsorship opportunities are available.
The next two races in our 2021 MTC/New Balance racing series include:
October 2nd / Phillippi Shores 5K at Phillippi Shores Elementary
(we have nudged the race committee to open registration so check back soon)
October 31st / 33rd Annual Bill’s Beer Run at North Jetty Park (Casey Key)
(register: https://www.billsbeerrun.com)

With the October events locked solidly in place, the fall and winter months will be filled with plenty of events to choose from. In the lineup are MTC sanctioned races, Jingle & Jog 5K on December 4th and Sandy Claws 5K on December 11th.
Not yet an MTC sanctioned event, longtime MTC members Heather Butcher and Mariryan Heschmeyer are hosting the inaugural Enviro 5K on Sunday, September 12. The Enviro 5K has been created to raise awareness in the running community (and beyond) that we can all play a part in becoming more environmentally
responsible. To learn more visit: www.Enviroracing.com.

We hope that you continue to enjoy the fine efforts of our MTC communications team. The AMAZING MTC website and quarterly newsletter is such a testament to their hard work. KUDOS! And oh yes, do you want to see your name in lights and print? Send in your news, photos, race recaps, etc. We would rather tell your stories than make up ones of our own.
I hope to see you soon at one of the many scheduled MTC events!
This is your club, make your impact.