Cheers to the long weekend! With the Fourth landing on a Monday this year, you’ve got plenty of opportunity to exercise some independence on the roads and trails around Charlotte.
Here’s a look at some of the fun runs and races around the area this weekend!
July 3
Tread, White and Blue 5k – Whitewater Center
https://center.whitewater.org/race/tread-white-blue/
This one will remain a bit of a mystery until race day. You’re for sure getting yourself into a 5k trail race at one the Whitewater Center. During registration, you’ll select the red, white, or blue course—which won’t be revealed to you until race day. This one’s a 6:30PM start.
Troutman FireCracker 5k – Troutman, NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Troutman/TroutmanFireCracker5k
Billed as fast and flat with some small rollers, this first-time event in Troutman starts and finishes at the historic Town Hall. Organizers say beginners will love this course since there are no significant hills. We think that’s a double bonus, since this one starts at 4:00PM. Stroller friendly, but no dogs, please. Plus, there’s a special prize for the most patriotic outfit.
Charlotte Firecracker 5k – Charlotte
https://charlottefirecracker5k.raceroster.com
The Charlotte Firecracker 5k conjures up visuals of Caddy Day at Bushwood, with its start and finish at south Charlotte’s Windyrush Country Club. But this 5k pool party and post-race celebration is a family-friendly summer classic, benefitting the Olde Providence Elementary School Foundation. A 7:00PM start, with the Club staying open until 9:00PM.
July 4
Park National Bank American 4-Miler p/b Novant Health – Charlotte
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/American4Miler
Get your Fourth of July started with a bang with the Park National Bank American 4-miler presented by Novant Health. Get a jump on the day before all of the barbeque and fireworks—and well before it gets good and hot! The Park National Bank American 4-miler is a 7:30AM start at the Metropolitan in midtown Charlotte. Plenty of easy-breezy parking, a scenic Dilworth 4-mile route, a kids’ run, and a unique, stainless steel finishers’ cup. It’s event number three in the 2022 RunCharlotte 6-Pack Series of events. Benefitting RunningWorks.
Run White & Blue – Huntersville, NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Huntersville/RunWhiteBlue
The Run White & Blue Events in Huntersville feature a 7.4 miler, a 7.4k, and a 1.76 mile fun run. This fifth annual event supports military veteran and first responder organizations in the Lake Norman area. Purple Heart Homes and Firefighters’ Burned Children Fund are returning beneficiaries of the event. Start and finish located within Daetwyler Plaza in Huntersville.
Bonus Round
Vac & Dash 3.6-mile Watermelon Run – Albemarle, NC
https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Albemarle/WatermelonRun?aflt_token=ulJ49HheoqxtLIpGCItJrzzVgvO57Xms
The Vac & Dash Watermelon Run at Morrow Mountain State Park is an Independence Day Stanly County tradition. There is no charge for the run, but you can buy an event tee or tank to commemorate the event’s 20thrunning. year. The beautiful scenery at the new Overlook at the top of Morrow Mountain is worth the trip; as is the ice cold post-race watermelon!