Fort Washington Fire Company Hotftoot 8.8 and kid's fun run

Put on your smiles and running shoes and bring the family to the Fort Washington Fire Company on Sunday, October 21 for the 7th annual Hotfoot 8.8, an 8.8 mile, 8.8 km and 5.4 km run. Stay for the after party where there will be music, awards, beer, hot food from local restaurants, tours of the station and trucks and much, much more.

The race starts at 9:00 AM at the Upper Dublin High School across from the fire house on Fort Washington Ave. The course winds through the scenic streets of Fort Washington and runners decide along the course which distance they want to run. Each race finishes inside the engine bays of the fire station.

The choice of three distances means there is something for runners of all experience levels. Newer runners like the shorter 5.4k route, while the more experienced runners find the 8.8 mile route to be a great training run for their half and full marathons. The 8.8 km route is perfect for all those in between

For the kids, there will be a short (about 88 feet) run around the station starting at 8:45 AM. All kids receive a full color shirt, medal and fire prevention goodie bag. There will also be games and pictures with the fire trucks.

Physical therapists from our title sponsor, Blue Bell Physical Therapy of Spring House, will be on site for pre and post run stretching. There will also massage therapists available for any other aches and pains you may have.

The 100% volunteer fire company has been a staple of the Upper Dublin community for over 100 years, providing fire and rescue services to Upper Dublin Township and surrounding communities. “The Hotfoot 88 is a way for the fire company to raise money for recruitment and retention of new volunteers, ensuring that we remain a volunteer company for years to come”, says Tim Evard, race director and 28-year member. “This is not just a fundraiser for us. This is also a great community event that brings hundreds of people together for a day of fun and friendship”.

The Hotfoot 8.8 welcomes runners of all levels, shapes and sizes. “This is a run for everybody”, says Evard. Runners have a choice of cotton or technical shirts and in sizes as big as 4XL, with larger sizes available upon request. Evard says there is one participant on the larger size who runs every year and every year he thanks us for being the only run that offers a shirt in his size. “Why not”, says Evard. “It doesn’t cost any extra and it makes him happy. That’s what it is about.” Evard also talks about a participant who walks the 8.8-mile route every year. “She loves that the finish line is still up when she finishes” Evard says. “It upsets her when she crosses where the finish line used to be and everything has already been packed up. We leave it up. Every runner counts.”

There are several races every weekend to choose from”, says Evard. “It’s our job to make sure they drive past all the others to come to ours”. It’s the combination of these little considerations taken by the Hotfoot 8.8 that has helped this little run grow into such a popular event.

The Fort Washington Fire Company is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to protect the lives, property and environment of the citizens and visitors of Upper Dublin Township and its neighboring communities. Additional information about the Hotfoot 8.8 is available at www.hotfoot88.org.