The Fourth of July is time to fire up the grill, think about fireworks safety and -- for a sizable number of Arkansans around the state -- throw on a pair of running shoes.
One such reason to suit up is the Firecracker Fast 5K. The 39th edition of the Little Rock race is back, and runners will take their marks at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, right where 1,666 people did in 2014.
The course, as usual, begins on North University Avenue just past its intersection with Kavanaugh Boulevard and then meanders from the Heights neighborhood to War Memorial Stadium. Runners will set out in relatively level terrain in the Heights shopping area, but the Firecracker's predominant feature is a long, long downhill.
There is one water stop, about 1.5 miles into the race, across from Mount St. Mary Academy. And then, to the dismay of those who enjoy the downhill a little too much, there's a quick but memorable uphill section past the Little Rock Zoo. But then the finish is downhill.
This is a point-to-point race. Two trolleys will shuttle participants who parked near the starting line back to their cars between 8 and 10 a.m.
Awards will be given to the top three finishers overall, top three finishers from the Masters division and top three finishers from each age division. After the 10-years-old-and-younger age division, all other age categories will be in increments of five years.
Registration is $25 ($30 on race day). Online registration through firecrackerfast5k.racesonline.com ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Registration will also be available during packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sports Easy Runner, Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell Road, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday. Race-day registration will be open from 6 to 7 a.m. near the start line.
Runners will find refreshments and snacks at the finish line -- as well as results, available immediately after each runner finishes. A timing kiosk will be open for runners to punch in their bib number to obtain results and their average pace per mile.
Parking will be available on the streets of the Heights shopping district near the starting line. Those who prefer to warm up by walking uphill to the start can park at the stadium. Parking is prohibited along Kavanaugh.
More information can be obtained by calling (501) 221-0017.
New on the Fourth
DeGray Lake Resort State Park is throwing its red, white and blue top hat into the Independence Day 5K ring with an inaugural Freedom 5K Fun Run.
The race will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday in the park lodge's back parking lot at 2027 State Park Entrance Road in Bismarck.
Registration is $10 and can be paid in person at the lodge front desk during business hours beginning 8 a.m. Wednesday. Race-day registration will be available from 8 to 8:45 a.m.
The race course consists of a mixed-surface, primarily asphalt loop that ends back at the lodge. Runners will not be chip-timed, but human timers will record bib numbers as runners cross the finish line. So pin that bib so it can be seen.
Prizes will be awarded for first-place finishers in five age groups: under 12, 12 to 17, 18 to 29, 30 to 45, and 46 and up.
Grand prize for the overall first-place finisher will include a certificate for a free two-night stay in any of Arkansas' five state park lodges.
Costumes are encouraged. A panel of judges will determine the winner of the "most outrageously patriotic costume," who will also receive a certificate for a two-night stay at any of the state park lodges.
All registered runners will receive a runner's packet that includes a race bib, a custom-made finisher's medal and a ticket for free lunch after the race, on the lodge's back lawn.
Stick around after the race for free Fourth of July activities including a watermelon eating contest at 11 a.m., a water balloon barrage at 1 p.m., kayak races at 2, a basketball challenge at 3, water relays at 4 and an underwater treasure hunt at 5.
The day will conclude with fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Any and all of the park's Independence Day festivities are open to everyone; you don't have to be staying at the park.
For more information about the race, camping, and other events, call (501) 865-5810.
For information about lodging, call (501) 865-5850.
Freedomfest 5K
The Freedom Fest 5K is back for its 35th year and is set to start in downtown Greenwood at 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
The course's profile is up and down. The first half features a steady climb before turning toward the west side of the Greenwood Square and a long, gradual downhill. There will be water stations at the top of the climb as well as halfway down the descent.
Medals will go to the top three finishers of each age division and to the overall first-place finisher for men and women. There will also be prizes for those who dress in the most patriotic costumes.
Registration is $20 and can be placed online at greenwoodarkansas.com. Race-day registration is $30.
Packet pickup opens at 6:30 a.m. on race day (only) at Means Wilkinson Community Center, 71 W. Center St. in Greenwood.
There will be a pancake breakfast available to all at 6 a.m. for $5. Post-race activities include music, a host of vendors on the square and a free lunch for runners. A fireworks show will begin at sundown.
For more information about the race, call (479) 996-6357.
Other races on Saturday
• Freedom From Blindness 5K/10K, 7:30 a.m., Lockesburg. (479) 234-1676.
• RiverDawgs 5K, 7 a.m., Clarksville. (479) 774-3612.
• Vandervoort 4th of July Picnic 5K, 7 a.m., Vandervoort. (870) 582-2328.
• Freedom 5K, 8 a.m., Camden. (870) 807-1468.
• Freedom Run 5K, 7:30 a.m., New Blaine. (479) 264-6153.
ActiveStyle on 06/29/2015