Independence Day: The Biggest Racing Day of the Year
By Dave Camire
For Active.com
To most people, the Fourth of July conjures up visions of fireworks, barbeques and parades. To runners, the Fourth of July represents the biggest road racing day of the year.
Road racing on Independence Day is akin to high school football on Thanksgiving Day. In just about every community in the country you will find a race.
Peach Tree 10K Road Race
July 4 isn’t just Independence day, it’s also the day when the largest 10K road race in the World is held. Annually 55,000 runners fill the streets of Atlanta, Georgia for the Peach Tree 10K Road Race.
Lawrence Sons of Italy Races
How about running a race or doing a walk that honors our service men and women in a historical city that has a reputation for welcoming runners?
"The event is an opportunity for us to honor the men and women of the armed forces and our veterans," says race director Marshall McCloskey. All participants who run or walk representing a member of the armed forces will receive a certificate with both the runner's and service men or women's names on them. "We even plan on having a color printer on race site to print certificates for those who register on race day," says McCloskey. "It's a great opportunity to honor the men and women who valiantly have served or are serving our country."
The race festivities offer an opportunity for all family members to participate. There will be a 5K health walk for those looking for a more leisurely pace. And families are encouraged to bring their youngsters to participate in a 1K youth race. It’s truly an event for the entire family.
Register for the Lawrence Sons of Italy Races.
More Family-friendly Events
- 30th Annual Melon Run 3 Miler in Gainesville, Florida is a family event, where men and women race the same course in opposite directions. Register.
- SSS Freedom 5K in Lima, Ohio offers a fun run/walk, a flat course, great door prizes, and honors our military. Register.
- L.L.Bean 4th of July 10K and One-mile Fun Run in Freeport, ME is a family-friendly event, with a 10K followed by a family fun run. Register.
What better way is there to celebrate our independence and to show your patriotism then with the freedom of running? So find yourself a local race and be part of the nation’s biggest running celebration of the year.