Freedom Fest Freedom Fest 2017 | Page 38

Freedom Run Tuesday, July 4 6:30 am • Registration P.A. Walsh School America’s National Parks 100 years and counting… 7 :45am is the start of the Morgan Hill’s 4th of July one-mile run for children 11 years and younger. It will be followed by the 5K run/walk at 8 am. This year the course will be a single loop for the 5K around the large block Peak, Dunne, Monterey, and Main. It is a very straight forward course with most of the course tree-lined and relatively flat, giving serious runners a chance for a “PR” or come really close. For others, it’s a time to have fun, or pass the challenge of running 3.1 miles, or just get some exercise. This year the run is part of the grand prix circuit for the Pacific Association for USA Track & Field and custom trophies.  The two runs were designed so parents can run with their children in the one-mile event, peel off just before the finishing line, then go directly to the starting line of the 5K and have your children watch as you run. What a wonderful way to come together as a family by running together!  The course is the same as the parade, and since the people get settled in their vantage points along the sidewalk hours before the parade, the runners will be cheered on by some of the expected 50,000 spectators, making it unique for a small town run to have a cheering crowd.  These two running events will mark the beginning of the series of events held on July 4th that include the parade and the end-of- the-day fireworks. The fireworks show will be returning to the Outdoor Sports Center this year.  Competitive, you bet. You will compete with runners in the PA/ USTFA grand prix circuit which consists of some of the fastest runners in Northern California. 36 While the one-mile course route has seen designed for the children only, parents are welcome to run alongside but are not allowed to go through the finish line.  All children who participate in the one- mile run will receive a tee shirt, and the top three in each age group will receive a medal. The first boy and girl winners of the race will win a trophy and be invited to hop on a vintage car and be a part of the parade that follows the run.  The 5K walkers and runners will take off at 8 am. If the dog needs some exercise prior to the parade, have a short leash and we won’t charge you extra. “We’ve had an Olym- pic runner compete in the 5K, but many people participate for the social aspect.” Race Director, Charles Weston said. “If you don’t Competitive, bet. You will compete with Cool Awards, you you bet, custom awards made from runners in the Fest PA/USTFA grand prix circuit which the Freedom run new logo, check it out on the consists of some of at the morganhillfreedomfest.com. fastest runners in Northern Freedom Run tab California. America’s NATIONAL PARKS H Morgan Hill Freedom Fest 2017