On the Run with the Northbrook Park District
Start the Fourth on your feet! The seventh annual Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk returns to Techny Prairie Park and Fields on July 4 at 7:30am, followed by a one-mile Liberty Lap Fun Run for ages 4-10.
The scenic, certified 5K course begins and ends near the Techny Prairie Center. Overall male and female winners receive medals, and all preregistered participants receive Dri-Fit T-shirts and goodie bags. A supervised activity area is available for children ages 4-10 during the race.
Produced by the Northbrook Park District, the Liberty Loop has grown steadily over the years. Last July, about 450 runners and walkers participated, ranging in age from 6 to 70 and including people from more than a dozen suburbs as well as out-of-town visitors.
"This is a fun, healthy way to kick off the 4th of July celebration," said John Wilhelm, Leisure Services Supervisor with the Park District. "Northbrook is a running town, and the residents appreciate the opportunity to participate. The reputation of a well-run event also attracts people."
Since the 4th of July is a day for family activities, young children can race on a one-mile, modified Liberty Loop course, starting and ending at the same location as the 5K and winding along the Trail Through Time. This year, the junior joggers will receive a T-shirt in addition to a miniature American flag after finishing the course. The Liberty Lap Fun Run begins at 8:30am, and all children in the race will have a number 1 on their race bibs.
Entry forms are available online at nbparks.org and at Park District registration Offices. Race-day registration will be available on-site from 6:30-7am. The Park District plans to have about 18-20 staff and volunteers coordinating the event.
The early registration fee for the 5K (before June 22) is $18 for ages 13 and older or $10 for ages 6-12. Children 5 and under can race at no charge but need to be registered. The fee for the Fun Run is $5.
For more information, visit nbparks.org or call 847•291•2980.