SATURDAY IS RACE DAY: JULY 4th HOLIDAY

PORCH BEAUTY. Taken by PKSenagore August 2016. All rights reserved.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 5K’S PLUS OTHER EVENTS  Because the Fourth of July, the major national holiday of summer, is approaching you may wish to join in the fun of running or walking in a short distance race like a 5K. These events are a common component of some large city and many small-town celebrations on the day or weekends that precede or follow it.  
 
There are holiday-themed races in numerous communities across the country from which to choose. Highlighted below are some that honor or attempt to raise funds for causes that benefit our service people or "fallen heroes", or support their families in some way. Also a few that are symbolic of the summer holiday spirit.

If it's not possible to participate this year, you can start thinking about next year's races. Or locate one nearby this year that is convenient to attend. Don’t forget you can always ORGANIZE YOUR OWN 4th OF JULY Miler, 2-Mile, 5K, 4-Mile, 10K, or any other distance event!  Include walkers and runners, strollers, dogs on a leash, etc. if it will increase participation.  Small gathering competitions have been the traditional historic beginnings of many famous races.  
 
BELOW are descriptions of a sampling of unique organized races. If patriotic in nature there’s a brief explanation of how the honor or memorial is managed. There may be others; these specific races were identified mostly through a USATF website event search http://www.usatf.org/calendars/search/) and an article in mensjournal.com by Blane Bachelor, “The 10 Best 4thof July Road Races”.
https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/the-10-best-fourth-of-july-road-races-20150625/
 
JUNE 30, 2018
CARRY THE FLAG, Washington DC
https://www.active.com/washington-dc/running/distance-running-races/carry-the-flag-5k-2018
Race organizers provide small USA flags to EACH PARTICIPANT as well as a medal, to honor those heroes who currently and previously serve our Nation.  Kids 16 and under run free but with request that adults who run with them will make some donation to help maintain this custom.
 
7th ANNUAL NEW BERN RUN FOR THE WARRIORS 5K, New Bern NC
https://www.athlinks.com/event/7th-annual-run-for-the-warriors-new-bern-nc-238813
Proceeds go to Hope For The Warriors® programs that assist wounded and fallen service members and their families.

FIREWORKS 5K, near Fredricksburg VA 
http://bishopsevents.com/event/2018-fireworks-5k-10k/
To support the Semper Fi Fund, which is “dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and support for post 9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.”

JULY 1
FIRECRACKER 5k, Nantucket MA
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Nantucket/FirecrackerFiveK
Donations are collected for Nantucket Holidays for Heroes Fund. 
This race is competitive for WALKERS!!! There are $100 cash prizes for 1stMale and Female Runner and Walker, and age division prizes for runners and walkers “through 3rdplace. 

JULY 4
ATC PEACHTREE ROAD RACE, Atlanta GA
https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/Peachtree
It’s too late to enter this 10K in 2018. Lottery winners would have been notified in late March 2018 if they were selected as a confirmed registrant or not selected. 
This is the largest race, in terms of participant numbers, in the US; about 60,000 participate! Best to plan ahead for 2019.
https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/fitness/how-atlanta-races-honor-military-veterans/9wPHctb9eLKduWaDVVoqMJ/
 
FOOT TRAFFIC FLAT – MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, 10K, & 5K; Sauvie Island OR, www.foottraffic.us/flat
This Portland area run/walk festival has a fresh-farm flavor to it. Participants are treated to strawberry shortcake hot dogs, other goodies after finishing. 
 
FIRECRACKER 4; Saratoga Springs NY
https://firecracker4.com/
Four mile and 1 mile races. “Join fellow military Veterans in a joint service formation run, facilitated by members of the Saratoga County Chamber’s Veterans Business Council (Team Victor Bravo Charlie). Active, Retire, Reserve, Veteran, Family and Friends are welcome to fun.”
 
KILLER DUNES 2 MILER & FUN RUN, Nags Head NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/NagsHead/KILLERDUNES
The “Outer Banks Running Club invites you to run/walk/overcome 2 miles on the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern US!” A $5 discount is given to active military and veterans. Benefits go to the Friends of Jockey's Ridge, “a local non-profit dedicated to preserving & enhancing the Park”.
 
CAMP PATRIOT 5K; 3 sites: Pasco WA, Del Ray Beach FL, Ramona SD, AND virtual
http://www.camppatriotfunrun.org/
Includes 100lb rucksack race (100lb Club)
Mission is to support wounded and disabled military veterans through outdoor programs.
 
FIRECRACKER MILE, Clawson MI
clawsonruns.com/firecracker
Run just ONE mile on this suburban Detroit city’s 14 Mile Road.  There’s a $1000 bonus for the first place male who breaks a 4:00 minute mile, and female who breaks a 4:30 minute !!! In 32 years, the race has attracted top talent for this reason. Suspense has mounted because the prize has only been paid once since 2010.It “is one of the best miles in Midwest. Whether you are racing for a cash prize, trophy, medal, or for the joy of the run, this is the race for you.”  Hanson’s Running Shop is one of the sponsors (yes, of Hanson-Brook’s team fame).
http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/athletes/hansons-brooks-original-distance-project
 
PALISADES WILL RODGERS 5K/10K, Pacific Palisades CA
palisades10k.com
Part of the reward of winning the 41stversion of this annual race is a spot on a float in the 4thof July Parade that follows the race. That’s what the article in mensjournal.com reported. This town is near Malibu, is west of Los Angeles. Expect to spot some celebrities!
Net proceeds go to the Optimist Club youth charities.
 
LL BEAN 4THOF JULY 10K, Freeport ME
 llbeanroadrace.com
The opposite of the Foot Traffic Flat on the opposite side of the USA in Oregon, this course is also coastal, but hilly.  Shouldn’t be a surprise that winners receive LL Bean Gift cards!

10th Annual Fourth of July 5k Freedom Run/Walk, Tucson AZ
https://www.taggrun.com/event/fourth-of-july-5k-freedom-run-walk/
That Others May Live Foundation (partner )”provides critical support, scholarships, and immediate tragedy assistance for the families of United States Air Force Rescue Heroes who are killed or severely wounded in operational or training missions.”

JULY 7
Storm the Beach 5k, Norfolk VA
http://bishopsevents.com/event/2018-storm-beach-5k-5-miler/
In support of the Wounded Warrior Project.

RUN & MOVE HAPPY!

http://www.usatf.org/calendars/search/
 
https://www.mensjournal.com/adventure/the-10-best-fourth-of-july-road-races-20150625/