Photos by John Heishman

The 5th Annual Lake Anna Powerboats Fun Run roared to life on October 6th, delivering heart-pounding action and drawing an enthusiastic crowd of boaters and spectators alike. Held at Lake Anna State Park’s Ware Cove, the event saw 31 boats from eight classes compete in thrilling races that highlighted the power and beauty of high-performance boats.

“This is the most we’ve ever had,” said John Pettit, the event organizer and owner of The Dry Dock here at Lake Anna. “It’s also the first year we’ve made it accessible by boat and invited jet boats to participate.”

With expanded racing classes and new opportunities for enthusiasts to engage with vendors, music, and more, this year’s Fun Run was bigger than ever. While the event traditionally focused on boaters, this year marked the first time welcoming spectators who gathered onshore to witness the spectacle of speed and engineering prowess.

The day began with vendors showcasing the latest in marine equipment, followed by a safety briefing to ensure all participants were ready for the high-octane runs. The National Anthem, led by local band Cheap Whiskey, signaled the start of the event, and boats hit the water in a series of thrilling runs across Lake Anna.

Among the highlights were the newly introduced competitive classes, which added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Participants raced in categories including Jet, PWC, Single Cat, SGL Cat OB, Single Vee, Triple Engine, Twin Cat, and Twin Vee. These classes allowed for a variety of boats to showcase their speed and performance. There were two finish lines for the different classes, a 1,000-foot course for the jet boats and a ¾ mile for the power boats.

Jason Zaluski, piloting his 38-foot MTI, took home the overall title with a run of 131 MPH, dominating the event and earning the prestigious “King of the Lake” crown. His powerful machine stood out among the competition, drawing cheers from the crowd. Other class winners included Jack Neidert (jet boats), Anderson Lohr (both PWC and Single Cat), Dave Mathis (SGL Cat OB), Anthony Hein (Single Vee), Charles Clendenny (Tripple Engine), and Jason Ludwig (Twin Vee).

“Every year, we get more and more participants, and this year was no exception,” said Pettit. “The energy was amazing, and it’s always great to see the Lake Anna boating community come together like this. We’re really looking forward to next year’s event.”

The Fun Run wasn’t just about speed; it was also about safety and camaraderie.

With vendors, live music, and the buzz of high-performance boats in the air, the 5th Annual Lake Anna Powerboats Fun Run once again proved to be a hit for both participants and spectators.

Jen Bailey

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