DJ and prizes at Northbrook Park District’s 17th annual Liberty Loop & Lap 5K and Fun Run
Preparations for Northbrook’s Independence Day festivities are underway, and the community is invited to join in the fun and start the day with the 17th annual Liberty Loop & Lap.
The annual family-friendly event is open to runners of all ages and levels, and takes place at the Northbrook Park District’s scenic Techny Prairie Park and Fields.
The event on July 4 features a certified Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk and a 1-mile Liberty Lap Fun Run. This year’s edition is presented by Northbrook Bank & Trust.
“The Liberty Loop & Lap is a great way to celebrate community, fitness, and fun before the holiday festivities begin,” Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Isaac Urow said. “You’ll be surrounded by friends, neighbors, and local families cheering each other on through a morning full of energy, music, and good vibes.”
This year’s event will feature a few new touches, including new T-shirts and a DJ to keep the energy high from start to finish, Urow said. The top runners in each age category will receive medals, and the top overall male and female finishers will be awarded a plaque and a gift card.
“Whether you're aiming for a personal best or just enjoying a stroll with loved ones, there’s something for everyone: kids, parents and grandparents,” he said. “We want everyone to leave feeling like a winner.”
Liberty Loop & Lap schedule:
• 7:30 a.m. Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk: Enjoy a run or walk on a certified 5K course starting at Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road, and looping through Meadowhill Park. Winners receive medals, and preregistered participants receive a dry-fit T-shirt and gift bag.
• 8:30 a.m. Liberty Lap Fun Run: This one-mile modified Liberty Loop course welcomes junior joggers. The course starts and finishes at Techny Prairie Park and Fields and winds along the park’s Trail Through Time. Young runners receive a T-shirt, gift bag and a miniature U.S. flag at the finish line.
The Fourth of July festivities will continue as follows:
• 4 p.m. Bike Parade: The Bike Parade will kick off at 4 p.m. on Cherry Lane at Westmoor School. Registration will be accepted in advance online and at the Bike Parade tent on July 4 in the staging area.
• 4 p.m. Parade: The Northbrook 4th of July Parade will step off immediately following the Bike Parade. The route will start just west of Westmoor School (2500 Cherry Lane) and end at village hall, 1225 Cedar Lane.
• 7 p.m. Entertainment: The Northbrook community is invited to gather at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome at Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., for some pre-fireworks DJ entertainment at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome with a visit from the Kona Ice truck and family activities led by the Rotary Club of Northbrook.
• Dusk Fireworks: Finish the Fourth of July celebration with a boom at the spectacular fireworks display at dusk, which can be viewed from Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., and Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road.
Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.
Register at nbparks.org/events/libertylooplap.