Hey! It’s Independence Day!
There you are, standing outside in the hot Valley afternoon, staring down another bratwurst on a sourdough roll. You know you shouldn’t but you think “Hey! It’s Independence Day!” You bask in the knowledge that you are one of the 74% of Americans who know what country our founding fathers declared independence from. So you decide to grab that dog and wolf it down. It settles into your stomach and curls up next to the first one, and they slosh gently in the beer (or soda) you washed it down with. You pat your stomach and catch yourself admiring the elastic waistband of your host’s trousers.
The dog was good, almost as good as the first one, but you’re left with a greasy taste in your mouth and a wish that your morning had included a decent run—maybe even a race. Well, today is your lucky day because wishes—with a little planning—can come true!
For the past 35 years, there has been a free, five-mile race on July Fourth. It is the aptly named Fourth of July Five Miler, and it starts and finishes at Glen Hall Park in the River Park neighborhood. It is a free race, so don’t expect a lot of swag but it’s a nice way to start the day. Walkers and baby joggers are plentiful and the neighbors come out to participate or cheer on the runners. If you’re in the mood, there is usually a neighborhood parade shortly afterward.