The alarm goes off before sunrise, and instead of rolling over, we lace up. Why?
Because on the 4th of July, we don’t just celebrate freedom—we run for it.
My small home town kicks off the festivities the best way we know how: with an early morning race that brings everyone together. There’s a one-mile fun run for the kids (who somehow still have more energy than the adults), and a 5K for the rest of us—decked out in red, white, and blue, tutus bouncing, flags waving, and sweat already forming
This race isn’t about winning. It’s about showing up. For our country, for our community, for the joy of running down a familiar street surrounded by the people who make it home.
We run to honor our freedom—and the people who fought for it. We run to celebrate movement, resilience, and that good old-fashioned small-town pride.
After the miles come the moments:
A classic parade filled with hot rods, marching bands, local businesses tossing candy, and plenty of patriotic flair. And to close it all out? Fireworks on the green, where the whole town gathers on blankets and lawn chairs, still glowing from a full day of togetherness.
It’s more than just a run.
It’s a reminder that freedom is worth showing up for—and sometimes, sweating for!