Independence Day races, runs, walks cover state

CONLEY BYRD III

Why is today’s column talking about the Fourth of July? There’s another Monday yet to come before Independence Day. Technically, this column is a week early.

But you might need more than 24 hours to decide what you’re going to do on the Fourth of July.

Firecracker Fast 5K

This annual 41-year-old race pops off at 7:30 a.m. July 4 in Little Rock.

It has been listed as one of the fastest 5Ks in the nation due to its almost entirely downhill course. Racers will be chip-timed.

The 5K begins near the Bank of America branch at Kavanaugh Boulevard and North University Avenue. It runs down Kavanaugh hill before turning on Van Buren Street, crossing Markham Street onto Fair Park Boulevard, running uphill briefly behind War Memorial Stadium and finishing on North Monroe Street.

Course records reflect the speeds possible. The men’s record is 13:26.4, set in 1992 by Reuben Reina of Fayetteville. The women’s record is 15:23.6, set in 1990 by Collette Murphy of Indianapolis. The winning times in 2016 were 16:04.7 by Shaun Koehn from Enid, Okla., and 18:14 by Elizabeth Gillette of Texarkana.

It’s a point-to-point race. Organizers suggest that participants park at the starting line and begin arriving around 6:30 a.m. Two trolleys will shuttle finishers from the stadium to the starting line after the race, from 8 to 10 a.m.

The awards ceremony will be at 8:30 a.m., with awards to the fastest male and female overall and masters runners, as well as three deep by sex and age group. Also, the first 50 men and 50 women (based on gun time) will receive firecracker awards, and all children 12 and younger will get a finisher’s medal.

Baby strollers are welcome but will line up at the back of the pack. Dogs are not allowed.

Online registration is available until midnight Sunday for $25 (plus a transaction fee). After online registration closes, late and on-site registration will cost $30.

Packet pickup and late registration will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Fleet Feet Sports Easy Runner in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road. Packets will include a swag bag, race bib and a T-shirt (while supplies last).

Race-day packet pickup and lastminute registration will be 6 to 7:15 a.m. at the starting line.

For more information and registration, visit firecrackerfast5k.racesonline.com.

Boom

In the Little Rock area on Independence Day? Don’t forget about the actual fireworks at Pops on the River, sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The free annual event runs 3 to 10:30 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled for 9:30, in the River Market District in downtown Little Rock. Visit pops.arkansasonline.com.

Run for Vets: 4 on the 4th

In Fayetteville, Run for Vets supports Seven Hills Homeless Center by sponsoring a four-mile trail run at Lake Fayetteville and a one-mile walk at 7:30 a.m. July 4 at Veterans Memorial Park, 4451 N. Vantage Drive.

Online registration is available for either race for $25 until midnight Sunday. Packet pickup is 4 to 6 p.m. Monday at Apple Blossom Brewing Co., 1550 E. Zion Road, Fayetteville.

Race-day registration and packet pickup open at 6:30 a.m. at the park.

Racers will be chip-timed. Awards will be given three-deep to the fastest overall men and women. There will be music, food and refreshments after the race.

Visit runforvets.com.

5K Freedom Fest Run

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce will fire the starting pistol for this 5K at 7:30 a.m. July 4. The race will begin at the Means Wilkinson Community Center at 71 W. Center St., Greenwood.

Online registration is available until noon Friday for $20. Race-day registration will cost $30.

Race-day packet pickup and registration (cash or check only) will be from 6:30 to 7:20 a.m. T-shirts will be available to the first 300 paid registrations.

To register, visit greenwoodarkansas.com.

Freedom From Blindness 10K and 5K

A festive 10K and 5K will begin together at 7 a.m. July 4 at Ida M. Coulter Stone Park, near Northwest Avenue and West Pine Street in Lockesburg.

Online registration is available until 11:59 p.m. Friday for $30. Raceday packet pickup begins in the park at 6 a.m.

Certificates will be awarded to the fastest overall male and female runners. Medals will be given threedeep by age division. Each racer will receive a tote bag, while supplies last.

All proceeds will benefit MidSouth Lions Sight and Hearing Service.

For registration, visit getmeregistered.com and search for “Freedom From Blindness 10K.”

4th of July Bang for Books

A 5K will begin at 8 a.m. July 4 at Harrison Junior High School, 515 S. Pine St. in Harrison.

Online registration is open until 7:59 p.m. Sunday for $25.

Proceeds will benefit the Boone County Imagination Library, which aims to provide free books to children.

For registration, visit runsignup. com and search for “Bang for Books.”

Freedom 5K Fun Run

This particular run will start at 9 a.m. July 4 in DeGray Lake Resort State Park, 2027 State Park Entrance Road, Bismarck.

Runners will receive a finisher’s medal. There will also be a costume contest for Uncle Sam- and Lady Liberty-inspired attire.

Online registration is open until 11:59 p.m. Sunday for $20. Race-day packet pickup will be from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the starting line.

For registration, visit runsignup. com and search for “DeGray Lake Resort.”

Several other state parks will have free or low-cost Independence Day festivities. Visit arkansasstateparks. com.