Saturday is Race Day!

INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND 5K RACES. 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 this weekend. 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.

If it's not possible to participate this year, you can start thinking about next year's races, find another in a closer locale that you can make this year, or ORGANIZE YOUR OWN PATRIOTIC 5K!. A race that seems particularly patriotic is the INAUGURAL "Carry the Flag 5k" to be held in Georgetown, in our nation's capital on Saturday July 2.
 
The AJC Peachtree Road Race (AJC PRR 10k) in Atlanta GA is the largest US race in terms of participant numbers. An article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, which sponsors the race, explains how it will honor military personnel this year.  On race day the “AJC PRR will feature a same-day supporting event during its July 4 race: the Kilometer Kids Charity Chase, which will include runners from multiple branches of the military, including the Army, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.” In this race teams from the service branches will compete for “bragging rights”  to be winners of the race as “fastest team” as well as biggest fundraiser through online donations.  “A portion of these funds are used to establish Kilometer Kids programs at Fort Benning and Fort Stewart, which are designed to inspire children to be healthy and fit.”
 
http://www.ajc.com/news/lifestyles/fitness/road-races-opportunity-run-and-our-soldiers/nrfrj/
http://www.runningusa.org/peachthree-military-2016?returnTo=member-releases
 
BELOW are some races to consider running with a brief explanation of how the honor or memorial is managed. There may be others; these specific races were identified mostly through the USATF website event search:

JULY 2, 2016
Inaugural Carry the Flag 5K, Washington DC
http://www.active.com/washington-dc/running/distance-running-races/carry-the-flag-5k-2016
Race organizers provide small USA flags to runners/walkers, to honor those heroes who currently and previously serve our Nation.  
 
Firecracker 5k, Nantuckett MA
https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Nantucket/FirecrackerFiveK
Donations are collected for Nantucket Holidays for Heroes Fund.
 
Storm the Beach 5k, Norfolk VA
http://bishopsevents.com/event/2016-storm-the-beach-5k-5-miler-fun-run-style/
In support of the Wounded Warrior Project
 
 
JULY 3
Fireworks 5K, Fredricksburg VA
http://bishopsevents.com/event/2016-fireworks-5k/
In support of Team RWB’s (Red, White and Blue) mission to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
 

JULY 4
Camp Patriot 5K, various sites: Pasco WA, Del Ray Beach FL, Ramona SD, Great Falls MT, virtual
http://www.camppatriotfunrun.org/
Includes 100lb rucksack race (100lb Club)
Mission is to support wounded and disabled military veterans through outdoor programs.

5th Annual New Bern Run For The Warriors, New Bern NC
http://support.hopeforthewarriors.org/site/TR?fr_id=1100&pg=entry#.V2q3aa5Grro
Dedicated those fallen and wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.
 
Glen Rock 9/11 Tribute Run, Glen Rock NJ
http://glenrocktributerun.org/index.php
Glen Rock Assistance Council and Endowment (GRACE) provided assistance to family members of those who died in the terrorist attacks, race established/maintains memorial, scholarships
 
8th Annual Fourth of July 5k Freedom Run/Walk, Tuscon AZ
http://taggrun.com/event/fourth-of-july-5k-freedom-runwalk/
That Others May Live Foundation (partner) provides support and assistance for the US Air Force Rescue Heroes killed/severely wounded in missions.


RUN HAPPY!

http://www.usatf.org/calendars/search/