Four on the 4th is back next week with a four-mile run through downtown Roanoke.
The course takes runners (and walkers) through Old Southwest and downtown, along the
Roanoke River Greenway and finishes at Wiley Drive. Last year, 270 runners and walkers participated.
Online registration for the second annual race is open through July 2. Prior to race day (July 4), registration is $30, when it increases to $40. The race benefits the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southwest Virginia.
Organizers added a team competition this year. Anyone can make up a team: an organization, a business or just a group of friends who want to run together. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest team, largest team (by number) and most spirited team. No extra fees are involved.
The race starts at 8 a.m., with the awards ceremony following the event at 9:15 a.m. In addition to the team honors, awards will go to the overall top three male and female finishers and the top three male and female masters (age 40 and over). Age group awards will go to the top three male/females in each of the following categories: 13 and under; 14-17; 18-22; 23-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 and over. Age groups are based on the runner's age as of July 4.
After the race, refreshments will be available in the shaded park at Wiley Drive and Franklin Road.
Volunteer opportunities also are available.
Thursday Happy Hour Float
Start the morning on the lake and finish the afternoon with music, food, and drinks.
Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called "geocaches" or "caches"). A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook. Larger containers can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets. Geocaching is most often described as a "game of high-tech hide and seek," sharing many aspects with orienteering, treasure-hunting, and waymarking.
