7 runs and races on the Fourth of July

There are many ways to kick off your Fourth of July celebration - take in a parade, head to a festival, fire up the barbecue for a cookout.

For some, the best way to start the day is with the adrenaline rush of a run.

With that in mind, we've compiled a list of runs and walks you can join - all happening on the Fourth of July. Most of these events are shorter runs - four miles, 5K - so you'll still have energy to visit to a festival and watch fireworks later.

Great Western Freedom 4

6:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Four-mile competitive run and 2-mile scenic walk benefiting Lazarus House. Also, Kids Dash for children up to age 12. Registration for the Dash is on event day with a suggested donation of $5 per child. $35 for runners; $25 for walkers. Register at lazarushouse.net.

Advocate Good Shepherd Family Fitness Run

7 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, Park Avenue and South Cook Street, Barrington. Family Fitness 10K run, 5K walk/run and kid's run. All race finishers receive a commemorative medal. $12-$40. Visit runsignup.com/Race/IL/Barrington/FamilyFitnessRun.

Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk

7 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, Techny Prairie Park, 1750 Techny Road, Northbrook. Certified 5K course through Techny Prairie Park and Fields and Meadowhill Park. Also features Liberty Liberty Lap Fun Run, a modified one-mile race for kids ages 4-10. Winners receive medals. Children 5 and younger can run/walk at no charge, but need to be registered. Race day registration is from 6:15-7 a.m. $10-$30. Visit www.nbparks.org/events/liberty-lap-fun-run/.

4 on the 4th Race

7:15 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, Prospect Avenue, next to Wilder Park in Elmhurst. Four-mile run; one-kilometer race for ages 12 and younger. A CARA-certified race with cash prizes for top three male and female finishers. Benefits Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation. $10-$35. Visit www.4on4th.com/.

Firecracker 5K Run/Walk

8 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at the Warrenville Park District Recreation Center, 3S260 Warren Ave., Warrenville. The scenic course incorporates the Illinois Prairie Path, Warrenville Grove Forest Preserve and the streets of downtown Warrenville. Includes a 50-yard dash for ages 3-6 and 100-yard dash for kids ages 6-10. New this year, the Sparkler 1-Miler for those who are not interested in the 5K distance. $40 ($15 for 1-miler, $5 for kids' dashes). Call (630) 393-7279 or visit www.warrenvilleparks.org/news/cross.asp?id=678.

Freedom Four 4-Mile Run

8 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn. This family-friendly event is open to runners, joggers, and walkers, with awards presented to the top two male and female finishers in each age division. Proceeds help benefit the Glen Ellyn Park District Scholarship Fund. On-site registration is from 6 to 7:30 a.m. $30. Visit support@gepark.org or freedomfourrun.com.

Antioch Run for Freedom

8 a.m. Wednesday, July 4, at Antioch Scout House, 770 Cunningham Drive, one block west of Route 83/Main Street. This 5K run/walk features a USATF Certified course that winds through the streets of Antioch. Race day registration and packet pickup begins at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:45 a.m. sharp. $35 individual, $80 family rate. Visit www.signmeup.com/123963.