PWC could become runners’ mecca; Freedom Firecracker fun run July 4 kicks off series of foot races

Together, Ian Connor, owner of The Running Store; and Rob Dulin, former owner of The Running Store, created Fun Run Racing, bringing fun and fitness to Prince William County.

According to Connor, their goal is bring great races to Prince William County. He has many customers who travel to participate in races, often getting up early and leaving their families at home in order to participate in races. Connor and Dulin aim to bring family friendly fun races to our community. This will allow runners to eliminate a long commute and have their family and friends cheer them on or participate in the race as well.

The goal is also to bring people from outside the county to our community to participate in great races and to give runners in our community great local races. Like shopping locally in our community, Connor is encouraging people to “run Prince William.” Their goal is to encourage Prince William County’s status as a healthy and active community that is focused on wellness.

The events in the Fun Run Race series are family friendly and will prove to be fun for everyone involved. The events will be held at Freedom Aquatics and Fitness Center, which will provide ample parking for runners and family with the race being held on the campus.

The run will begin and end on George Mason Circle and continue onto University Boulevard.

Connor said the partnership with Freedom Aquatics and Fitness Center came about while he was fitting the general manager of Freedom for shoes. They began “chatting” about races and finding a place that could “house” the races in Prince William County.

The Fun Run Race schedule will include the Freedom Firecracker on July 4, The Prince William Turkey Trot on Nov. 27 and the Resolution Run on Jan. 1, 2015.

For each, Connor hopes runners have fun with the theme. For the Freedom Firecracker, they invite participants to don their most patriotic attire whether it is star sunglasses to red, white and blue running shoes. The event will be filled with music and give-aways. 

The Freedom Firecracker 5K will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, July 4, and the youth “Red, White and Blue” one-mile fun run will kick off at 9:20 a.m. The youth run/walk will be untimed for ages 5-12.

The Turkey Run will be similar, allowing participants to get their exercise before filling up with Thanksgiving goodies; the Resolution Run will be held at 11 a.m. to allow participants to sleep in after celebrating the New Year. 

Connor hopes that people participating in the Turkey Run will come dressed as turkeys or pilgrims or just celebratory attire. He expects the same for the Resolution Run.

Registration for the Freedom Firecracker is through June 30 and is $35 for the 5k and $20 for the youth one mile.

Connor said the goal of the race series is to “cater to everyone.” They invite all ages, all running levels including those who have never run to those who run races every weekend. He invites all to come out for the fun.

There will be “golden ticket” prizes similar to Willy Wonka. Anyone who receives a golden ticket in his/her envelope will receive a prize with local merchants providing prizes.

Information on all of the races in the Fun Run Racing Series and registration is available at http://www.funrunracing.com/.