Registration open for Freedom Four race
The Freedom Four 4-Mile Run, a Glen Ellyn Park District Independence Day tradition, is fast approaching, as is the Thursday, June 29, early bird registration deadline.
Registrants who make the deadline get a discounted fee, guaranteed race T-shirt and the chance to avoid long lines on race day.
Proceeds from the July 4 race for runners 6 and older help fund scholarships for park district programs. Last year, 189 families were assisted with $37,000 in scholarship funds raised through the Freedom Four, donations and other events, such as the afternoon festivities on July 4.
This year, a new registration process is being introduced. Registration will be accepted through a new race website at FreedomFourRun.com rather than at park district offices. The online registration process is aimed at streamlining the procedure and making it easier for runners to prepare for the race, get their packets and timing bibs, and take their place at the starting line.
Early registration costs $25 per person and will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. Thursday, June 29. Online registration will close at that point, then reopen at 6 a.m. Saturday, July 1, with the regular registration fee of $30.
All early registrants will receive event T-shirts; those who register after early registration is closed will receive T-shirts while supplies last.
Race-day registration will be available from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 4, at Lake Ellyn Park. The race starts at 8 a.m. on Lenox Road near Lake Ellyn.
Packet pickup will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1, at Ackerman Sports and Fitness Center. Packet pickup also will be available beginning at 6 a.m. on race day.
After the race, there will be an awards ceremony in the Lake Ellyn Park band shell. Top male and female finishers in each age category will receive recognition.
If you go
What: Freedom Four 4-Mile Run
When: 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 4
Where: Lenox Road near Lake Ellyn, Glen Ellyn
Fee: $25 to June 29, $30 after
Info: FreedomFourRun.com