Freedom Firecracker 5K on July 4 in Manassas

Fun Run Racing will host its second annual Freedom Firecracker 5K on Saturday, July 4.

Last year, the race hosted about 450 participants and the Turkey Trot over 1,000. There is no doubt that with the fun had and word spreads there will be even more fun this year.

The 5K will begin at 8:30 and the 1 mile Fun/Run Walk will begin at 9:30.

Rob Dulin, co-founder of Fun Run Racing, said that the races were formed to be family friendly; he invites people to get out, dress-up and have some fun. Dulin expects there will be about 500-800 participants in this year’s July 4 race.

For runners or walkers who have never participated in an organized race, this is a great way to start as it is great fun. There are prizes, music along the way with a deejay who celebrates each person’s crossing the finish line and lots of camaraderie among all of the participants.

The course is flat and great for serious runners and lends itself well to good times; however, Dulin said all are invited to walk or run the course at the Freedom Center.

This year, people will also be allowed to run with jog strollers; some insurance issues have been changed. Literally, it will be great fun for the entire family.

Dulin added that the course is great for young children as the 1 mile is on the campus of the Freedom Center and George Mason University; therefore, it is safe from traffic. Children as young as 3 and 4 have participated in the event with their parents.

Dulin said the race series is “cool” as people really get into the themes. Last Fourth of July, people had fun with costumes, including some Uncle Sam’s; many decked out in red, white and blue. Although he didn’t see any Statue of Liberty’s, he thinks that might change this year.

Participants will receive a custom medal, and everyone will also get an envelope with a gift and a t-shirt for the race. Fun Run is also known for its “golden tickets,” which are given randomly to runners. Participants also receive awards for best costumes and other prizes.

Fun Run Racing has raised over $17,500 for local charities and non-profits. It has partnered with Manassas Bull Run Rotary Club, and a portion of past race proceeds has benefited the club and the local charities the club supports, including Red Cross, Barn Transitional Housing, Matthews Center, Prosperity House and others.

Fun Run Racing is also excited to announce it is partnering with World Vision for a 6K Water event that will be held on Sept. 12 at the Freedom Center in Manassas. This is exciting as there are several of these races held across the nation, and this will be the Washington, D.C. location.

Registration costs for participants will provide clean water for people in Africa.

Dulin said participants will actually get a photo of the person for whom they are helping provide clean water. More information will be coming soon.

Although World Vision is a Christian organization, Dulin said these events are completely about helping people with the basic need of providing clean water, a need that we all have. The events have nothing to do with religion, just helping people.

Sponsors of the Firecracker Freedom 5K include Haymarket Physical Therapy and Chiropractic, The Running Store, Prince William Foot and Ankle Center, C.C. Bartholomew Real Estate, Sporting Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Skyview Family Medicine and Kumon of Bristow.

“Procrastinator” registration is from June 16 through noon July 1 for $40 for the 5K and $15 for the 1 Mile.  Registration and more information are available at http://www.funrunracing.com/.