Lakewood Ranch runner seeks a third championship

Lakewood Ranch Running Club member Fernanda Scalera has her sights set on a triple crown.

The 48-year-old claimed the title as the overall female winner in Tidewell Hospice’s Turkey Trot 5K race Nov. 18, after winning that category in the Boo Run in October. Her next step is testing her legs and speed at the Jingle 5K Dec. 22. It’s a much larger race — more than 1,000 participants compared to the Turkey Trot’s 650 — but Scalera isn’t nervous.

“I’m going to give it a shot,” said Scalera, who lives in Greenbrook. “I’m very blessed. Running is a gift.”