Independence Day is full of great traditions—food, fun, and fireworks! It is also a busy race day. This year, all across the country, folks will be lacing up their shoes and getting in quick 5k or a full 26.2 before loading up on ribs, lawn darts, and bottle rockets. While some are already sold out, below is a sampling of races taking place this Independence Day. Check them out to sign up or mark your calendar for next year to make sure you can join next time!
• AJC Peachtree Road Race – In heart of one of the South’s finest cities, this race is dubbed the world’s largest 10k! You’ll find fanciful costumes and maybe even a dancing U. S. congressman John Lewis! This year, approximately 60,000 folks are expected to line up to run and walk the 10k down Peachtree Street to Atlanta’s midtown. When the race is done, stick around to enjoy the hospitality and charm of this great city. Oh yeah, and the fireworks!
• Finish at the 50 – This unique race takes place around and inside Gillette Stadium and ends on the 50 yard line of the New England Patriot’s home turf. The 5k stays on the campus of Gillette Stadium, winding runners around the stadium, up to the third level, around the rim for great views of the field, and back down to the finish. The 10k offers a similar running tour of the facility, but also takes participants through the surrounding residential areas before hitting the field for a dramatic 50 yard line finish.
• Foot Traffic Flat – On the other side of the country, the Foot Traffic Flat on Sauvie Island, OR, is a gem! When they say flat, they mean flat—over the full 26.2 miles, the total elevation gain is 49 feet. There is also a half-marathon, a 10k, and a 5k. The flat course provides a great opportunity to set a PR and cross a finish line with strawberry shortcake waiting on the other side.
• Freedom Springs Triathlon – Ah, sunny Florida! This is a sprint triathlon featuring a .25 mile swim, a 10 mile bike ride, and a 5k run, leaving plenty of time for friends and family on your holiday. Or bring them all along – there is also a kids’ triathlon! They’ll swim 100 yards, bike three miles, and run 1 mile. The Blue Springs Recreational Park is a scenic, wooded location and provides a great intro point for first time triathletes, getting kids into the game, or burning a few hundred calories before enjoying frosty brews and homemade ice cream.
What a great new tradition to start with your racing partners or family! We wish you all a safe and happy Independence Day weekend! We would love to stay in touch—follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Want to add a little HOTSHOT to your next race? Pick some up here. Happy 4th!