Happy Independence Day!
Fireworks, Bar-B-Que’s, homemade desserts, and of course your favorite: 4th of July-themed runs. Did you know that the 4th of July ranks only second to Thanksgiving Day in terms of number of runs and participants?
Of course, we love runs any day of the year, because we have so much to gain from being out there with others working towards a goal. I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine about the power of running, and it got me to thinking that for each of us, running can be our way to free us from what is holding us back.
Think about it. There is so much power in even just trying to get fit.
We aren’t “just running” when we put those running shoes on for a race. We are:
Fireworks, Bar-B-Que’s, homemade desserts, and of course your favorite: 4th of July-themed runs. Did you know that the 4th of July ranks only second to Thanksgiving Day in terms of number of runs and participants?
Of course, we love runs any day of the year, because we have so much to gain from being out there with others working towards a goal. I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine about the power of running, and it got me to thinking that for each of us, running can be our way to free us from what is holding us back.
Think about it. There is so much power in even just trying to get fit.
We aren’t “just running” when we put those running shoes on for a race. We are:
- Reducing stress
- Exercising with family
- Getting healthy
- Supportng causes
- Creating awareness
Just think of the power of everyone at the starting line at your next race. And how would it be if more Americans could join us? Wouldn’t it improve healthcare more than any other thing we can do?
You don’t have to be fast, you don’t even have to finish, but get started and you’ll probably find a new, personal freedom.
So start this 4th of July with the “bang” of a starter’s gun, celebrating your freedom.
Here are some of our favorite races for July. From Winter Park, to Aspen, to Lone Tree to Denver, there’s a race for everyone.
And if you see me or the Running Denver team, please come say hi!
-Lonnie Somers
1. Rendezvous Run 4 Independence 5 Mile Run/Walk
Join us in beautiful Winter Park, Colorado’s Favorite Playground, for the Rendezvous Run for Independence 5 mile run/walk. The race starts at The Vintage Hotel @ Winter Park Ski Resort. Competitors will wind their way through the Winter Park Resort, down the Fraser River Trail, through green forests and open valleys, through the Town of Winter Park, finishing at Rendezvous for an after race celebration. Every participant will get a T-shirt, post-race party, and a prize entry. The Rendezvous after party…
2. Boogie’s Diner Buddy Run 5 Mile in ASPEN!
The race will start and end at Rio Grande Park! This means we are close to the parking garage and public restrooms in the park. This is the second year of the new route! Runners will head down Rio Grande Trail, then up “Heart Attack Hill” on Cemetery Lane, then take a left on Power Plant Road and wind through the west end of town, and return to Rio Grande Park. Click here for the 5-mile race map, and here…
Find out more »
Find out more »
3. Freedom Run 5K: Evergreen
$15 – $35
Celebrate with us at our 36th annual Freedom Run 5K benefiting Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice in Evergreen. Whether you walk, run, stroll, or cheer from the sidelines, the Freedom Run is a great way to kick off your Fourth of July. Plus the event doesn’t end at the finish line—after the race, participants and their families and friends are invited to enjoy refreshments, music, games and fun at Nick’s Pro Fitness. The scenic 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) course…
Find out more »
Find out more »
4. Liberty Run 4 Mile & Kids Firecracker Run: Washington Park
$25 – $35
Cook outs, apple pie, ice cream, your great aunt wearing that ever so festive American flag dress, well then it must be 4th of July! Celebrate and start 4th of July with 4 great miles of fun! Come out with the family to one of Denver’s best and largest 4th of July runs and start your day right as we celebrate stars and stripes.
Find out more »
Find out more »
5. Chase the Moon 12 Hour Endurance Run: Highlands Ranch
Chase the Moon is a 12-hour team relay and solo ultramarathon, run overnight under the light of the full moon in the Highlands Ranch Backcountry trail system (we promise some of the best views of the metro and front range). Run as a solo ultrarunner, or get your fellow moon chasing friends for a 3-person or 5-person relay team.
Find out more »
Find out more »
6. Lone Tree Freedom Run
Welcome to the inaugural Lone Tree Freedom Race! This 3-mile race/walk is our way of showing our pride for our country and our respect to our Veterans. The event is presented by Charles Schwab. Each mile is themed and dedicated to one of our charity groups. Join us for fun, inspiration, family time, and to give thanks by supporting our Veterans. Come get your Red, White, and Blue on! Themed Miles Red Mile – benefitting Comitis Crisis Center of Aurora, sponsored by:…
Find out more »
Find out more »
7. Stairclimb: CF Climb Denver at Sports Authority Field at Mile High
We challenge you to go beyond ordinary expectations, take steps toward a personal victory, and play an important role in transforming the lives of others. CF Climb is an exhilarating stair climbing and fundraising event that supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Gather your family, friends and co-workers to join you while “Adding Tomorrows” for people with cystic fibrosis. At the end, celebrate with food, drinks and awards. Join us at CF Climb and take the search for a cure to…
Find out more »
Find out more »
8. Cooking Light & Health Fit Foodie 5K/10K: Westminster Park
$45
The most delicious 5K/10K ever is making its debut at Westminster in Denver, Colorado this summer. Keep checking back for updates on participating brands and sponsors, local talent & more! Eat your way to the finish line, then celebrate at the post-race John Hancock Vitality Village Food and Fitness Festival, featuring bites from local restaurants, a beer and wine garden, mini-workout classes, and so much more. A race you can really sink your teeth into
Find out more »
Find out more »
9. Dash for Smiles: Stapleton Central Park
$15 – $25
Dash for Smiles was created by three mothers of cleft affected children. This is the seventh annual 5K walk/run to raise awareness and to benefit cleft lip and palate programs at Children’s Hospital Colorado and Rose Medical Center. Join us at beautiful Stapleton Central Park on July 30th for a fun filled morning. Dash for Smiles is a family friendly and dog friendly event so bring the whole family! Be sure to check out the silent auction for some amazing and…
Find out more »
Find out more »