10runThe Fayetteville Running Club presents its 6th Annual Firecracker 4 Miler Race on Thursday, July 4, at 7 a.m., at the North Carolina Veterans Park in downtown Fayetteville. The 1-mile fun run begins at 7:50 a.m.

“This is the event that the Fayetteville Running Club uses to support several different charities,” said David Wilkes, president of the club. “Our largest recipient is the Gold Star Teen Program. That sends the kids of a Gold Star family to camp, and they have different activities throughout the year.” Wilkes added that a Gold Star family is one that has lost a family member during that member’s military service.

“We also have two scholarships that we give out to two high school track or cross country runners,” said Wilkes. “We give one male and one female $1,000 a piece who are seniors and have participated on their cross country or track team during that time.”

Wilkes added that every month, the organization makes a $500 donation to a local charity. Some of those charities include The Rape Crisis Center, Operation Inasmuch, Action Pathways, the Autism Society, the Bicycle Man, Fayetteville Urban Ministry and more.

“We created a 4-mile route that highlighted many of the scenic and historical sites downtown,” said Wilkes of the July 4 run. “It goes through Arsenal Park behind the Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, the various downtown water fountains, Freedom Memorial Park and other areas.”

Awards will be given to the top three overall winners and the top three male and female winners in each age category. All 4 Mile and 1 Mile finishers will receive a medal. There will be awards for most spirited, best costume, fastest wheels and more. Raffle prizes will be given. There will be fruit, beverages and music at the event.

“The Fayetteville Running Club’s mission is to support our community through living a healthy lifestyle, and there will be about 2,000 people who will show up for this event, which is one of the largest running races in town,” said Wilkes. “We look forward to everyone coming out to participate.”

Same-day registration begins at 6 a.m. The cost of the 4 Miler Race is $30. Packet pickup is Wednesday, July 3, from 4-8 p.m. at Fayetteville Otolaryngology, which is located at 1839 Quiet Cove Rd. Race-day parking is available at the Medical Arts Center and the parking garage on Franklin Street. For more information, visit https://its-go-time.com/firecracker-4-miler/.