Top Fourth of July Races

The smell of barbecue is in the air, and Springsteen’s Born in the USA is booming from red, white, and blue adorned backyards all across the country. Fourth of July is here folks! And while most of our fellow patriots are kicking back and looking forward to the burst of fireworks in the evening sky, here in running land, we’re gathering at the starting line for one of the best race days of the year! These are our picks to guarantee your Fourth will go out with a bang.

L.L. Bean 4th of July 10K

July 4, 2017 | Freeport, Maine

Courtesy of L.L.Bean 10K Facebook page

Come join one of the premiere outdoor apparel companies in the world for an unforgettable start to the Fourth! The L.L. Bean 10K takes you through the scenic town of Freeport, Maine and with a view of the bay and temperatures usually in the 70’s, you’ll be smiling all the way to the finish line! The event features prizes galore, from $200 gift cards for the winners, to hundreds of pieces of L.L. Bean swag given away to the top three racers in each category. Did we mention all proceeds go to charity? Both the 10K race and Family Fun Run start early, so you can get your racing in before heading off to those afternoon barbecues!

Colorado Firecracker Run

July 4, 2017 | Erie, Colorado

If you love the holiday festivities but hate the giant crowds, this event is worth checking out! The Colorado Firecracker 4K, 4 mile and Kids Run takes place every year in the small town of Erie, located just outside the more well known Boulder. The course is entirely flat giving athletes the option of running, walking, or even pushing a stroller! Slide your way across the finish line (that’s right we said slide) with a one of a kind a slip n’ slide finish complete with foam. After you’re all cleaned up, head to the after-party and reward your hard work with a crawfish boil, and some free Past Blue Ribbon beer. That’s right, free! This off the beaten path Fourth of July run is sure to give your whole family a holiday to remember!

AJC Peachtree Road Race

July 4, 2017 | Atlanta, Georgia

For nearly half a century, the AJC Peachtree Road Race has been attracting runners around the world to downtown Atlanta. It set out in 1970 with only 150 ATL locals, and now this historic 10K boasts 60,000 runners, making it the largest 10K in the world! There’s no need to worry about finding motivation as 150,000 spectators line the sides of the course every year. If you’re part of this huge cheer section, the event even provides a spectators guide showing you the best points to watch the race, and what places to visit during the down time! Start the race in the streets of Buckhead, run through scenic views of downtown Atlanta, and finish in Piedmont Park where 4th of July Festivities are waiting to greet you. With a killer course and even better after party, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to spend the holiday!

Jackson Night Glow 5K

June 30th, 2017 | Massillon, Ohio

Courtesy of the Jackson Glow 5K facebook page

If you’re dying to run a Fourth of July themed race, but holiday plans are already packed, you’re in luck! The Jackson Night Glow 5K takes place the Friday before the holiday, with all the festivities you could hope for. The event includes a 5K, 5K walk and 1/2 Mile Kids Run. The races take place in evening, and kick off with Fireworks lighting up the night sky. Luckily there are none during the event so you can enjoy this one of a kind race. The course is lined with over 1,000 luminaries that make for a truly stunning experience! Follow the lights through beautiful neighborhoods and finish at Jackson North Park, where even more fireworks are waiting for you. Start the holiday weekend right with this amazing night race!

Brentwood 5K

July 4, 2017 | Brentwood, Pennsylvania

What started out as a small race to benefit the town, has turned into one of the premiere 5K races in Western Pennsylvania. This year the Brentwood 5K is celebrating its 34th anniversary, drawing everyone from elite runners to weekend warriors! The course begins in the Brentwood town square and “rolls out and back course along the famous Brentwood Fourth of July Parade route”. Fun and games are everywhere and all racers are automatically put in the drawing for raffle prizes, which top over $2,000 this year! Stay into the evening to watch the parade and grand display of fireworks right from the course. Come check out the race that’s making top lists all over the country!

Twin Sizzler

July 4th, 2017 | Medina, Ohio

Run or ride on down to Medina this fourth for the 42nd annual Twin Sizzler races! This event has a little something for everyone, with a 10K, 5K, 27 mile bike race, and 1 Mile Fun Run. Competitors can participate in a single event or choose a combination such as the 10K and 5K or 5K and Bike Race. All races begin in the historic Medina Town square, which has that small town feel written all over it. After the events, head back to the square where the festivities continue all night long. Come indulge in the ice cream social and stay for the local concert and fireworks!


Looking for more great races? Check out our Top Summer Runs blog, and then cruise over to the all new Athlinks.com to claim your finish time on all the races you’ve ever run!

Related Articles

Observations of a Trail Running Rookie

By: Andrea Lee Negroni Last year, I resolved to make 2023 a year of “yes”...

Meet Curt Maggit, NOBULL Athlete

Curt Maggit finished his professional football career with seven major surgeries, including two ACL and a hip fracture.  Fast forward to today, the...

Scott Stallings’ Top Training Essentials

As more professional golfers begin to publicly promote their dedication to off-course training and preparation, Scott Stallings, a NOBULL athlete, has discussed...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Categories

Latest Articles

Observations of a Trail Running Rookie

By: Andrea Lee Negroni Last year, I resolved to make 2023 a year of “yes”...

Meet Curt Maggit, NOBULL Athlete

Curt Maggit finished his professional football career with seven major surgeries, including two ACL and a hip fracture.  Fast forward to today, the...

Scott Stallings’ Top Training Essentials

As more professional golfers begin to publicly promote their dedication to off-course training and preparation, Scott Stallings, a NOBULL athlete, has discussed...

Staying in the Game: Why You Need a Primary Care Sports Medicine Doctor

You smashed your big toe during a game of kickball, and it really hurts. Or maybe you have a case of what...

How Athletico Helps Treat Your Pain

The best way to treat your pain is to start where you normally finish - with physical therapy. Athletico’s...