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Freedom Four 4-Mile Run Returns on July 4th

The Glen Ellyn Park District's annual Freedom Four™ 4-Mile Run will take place on Monday, July 4th at 8am. A popular summertime event, the race attracts more than 800 runners, walkers, and strollers each year, helping raise money for the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. Participants can pre-register for the race by June 26th for just $25 per person, a $5 savings over race-day registration.

The Glen Ellyn Park District recognizes there are community residents who may suffer, at any time, from economic setbacks that might preclude their participation in Park District programs. For this reason, the Park District established a scholarship fund enabling low income individuals and families to participate in recreational programs. The scholarship fund helps over 200 families, right here in Glen Ellyn. More than $2,000 was raised from the race in 2015.

The Freedom Four™ 4-Mile Run is open to ages 6 and older and divided into age divisions: 6-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. The first two male and female finishers in each division are awarded a prize. Participants can register for the race and view the course map online at www.gepark.org.

The race starts at 8:00 am sharp on Monday, the 4th of July, on Lenox Road, right next to Lake Ellyn. Every participant who pre-registers will receive a Freedom Four t-shirt. Pre-registration ends on June 26th at 9pm. Registration on the day of the race, for $30 per person, will start at 6am and end at 7:30am.

Even if you do not want to run, this is still a great opportunity to get out, enjoy the warm summer morning, and raise money for a great cause that benefits our community. Volunteers are always needed to assist in registration, directing runners, distributing water, and more. The first 25 volunteers will receive a free month at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center. Contact Jenny Clark at jclark@gepark.org for more information on volunteering.

The annual "Afternoon Festivities" event, which takes place from 1-4pm on July 4th, also helps raise money for the scholarship fund through wristband sales for games and inflatables.

The Park District would like to thank our sponsors for helping make this run possible: Glen Ellyn Bank & Trust, Lexington Health Network, ServPro, and Saylor & Murphy Orthodontics.

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