A too-hot-to-trot, torrid July 4 Saturday morning in Dewey Beach attracted 393 runners to the 20th annual Dewey Beach Liquors 5K. 

 All runners completed the 3.1-mile race sweat-soaked but otherwise in good shape.

Ultra runner Mike Wardian went to the front and stayed there, pushing the pace and winning in 17:08.

 Also breaking 18 minutes were Stephen Garrett, 29, from Hockessin in 17:31; John Becker, 47, from Philly in 17:34; and Max Mancuson, 25, from Sterling ,Va., in 17:51.

The top 15 runners were male.

Andy Gorlich, living in the 684, was the best local finisher. He placed sixth, running 19:12.

Maria Bonci, 33, from Frederick, Md., was the  first female finisher in 20:47.

Michelle Simon, 47, from Shaker Heights, Ohio, was second female and won the masters division in 22:03. 

Notes: Mike Wardian's two sons also ran in the race. Pierce, 19, finished in 21:09, while Grant, 17, ran 21:34. There were 17 registered 5K walkers. The fastest walk time was turned in by Rachel Schropp, 29, of Lewes in 38:30. The Fourth of July race typically attracts between 400 and 500 runners.