For many, the Fourth of July means fireworks, barbeques and pool parties.
It is traditional, though, for Georgians to take to the streets in road races, and Forsyth County residents are no different.
This Independence Day, Totally Running and Walking will hold its 5th annual “We The Runners” road race, which will benefit Family Promise of Forsyth County.
The organization, an offshoot of the national faith-based nonprofit dedicated to ending family homelessness, accepted its first families in October.
If you go
What: “We The People” half marathon, 10K, 5K and sparker trot
Where: Fowler Park
When: Half: 7:30 a.m.; 10K: 7:45 a.m.; 5K: 8 a.m.; sparkler trot: 9:45 a.m.
Cost: Half: $65; 10K: $40; 5K: $30; sparkler trot: $20
Although the Forsyth chapter is non-denominational, 13 churches are signed on to house participating families for a week at a time on a rotating basis. Participants are served meals at the host church, which are prepared and served by volunteers.
The July Fourth races, which include a half marathon, 10K, 5K run and a “sparker trot,” will start at the running track at Fowler Park in south Forsyth.
Paths for the half marathon, 10K and 5K will wind onto the Big Creek Greenway, where runners will go their respective distances before coming back to the track, where the finish line will be.
The sparkler trot, which is held for children 10 and under, is a two-lap race on Fowler Park’s track spanning a half-mile.
“In the course of running events, it has become necessary for we, the runners of north Georgia, to choose our own race,” said Kim Hall, owner of Totally Running. “For the fifth year in a row we will hold a ‘We The Runners’ race that gives everyone the inalienable right to sleep later and stay closer to home. We yearn to avoid crowded MARTA trains and easy to find a parking space.”
The name of the race, Hall said, is a play on the U.S. Constitution’s preamble.
Hall said runners are encouraged to register early, due to a limited amount of space on the Greenway.
The cost to register is $30 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, $65 for the half marathon and $20 for the trot.
Participants can pick up their race packets on July 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Totally Running, located at 405 Peachtree Parkway and also at Fowler Park on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Awards will be presented to: overall male/female runner — first, second and third place runners and first, second and third place runners runners in age group categories, which are 10-plus through 65-plus, broken into five year increments.
For more information or to register, visit: totallyrunning.com.