Redondo Beach|Local Event
33rd Annual Village Runner 4th of July 5K Run/Community Walk & Kids’ Firecracker Dash
Event Details
33rd Annual Village Runner 4th of July 5K Run/Community Walk & Kids’ Firecracker Dash Returns to Redondo Beach
Presented by UCLA Health
REDONDO BEACH, Calif. — The South Bay’s favorite Independence Day running tradition returns on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as the 33rd Annual Village Runner 4th of July 5K Run/Community Walk & Kids’ Firecracker Dash, presented by UCLA Health, brings thousands of runners, walkers, families, and community members together in Riviera Village for a morning of fitness, patriotism, and celebration.
For more than three decades, the event has served as a festive kickoff to Independence Day celebrations, bringing together runners, walkers, families, and community members before they head off to parades, barbecues, and beach gatherings throughout the South Bay.
The event is proudly presented by UCLA Health, continuing a partnership that supports healthy, active lifestyles throughout the South Bay community.
The event begins at 8:00 a.m. in the heart of Riviera Village and features a scenic 5K Run/Community Walk, Kids’ Firecracker Dash races, a Patriotic Costume Contest, post-race festivities, and an awards ceremony. Participants are encouraged to wear their red, white, and blue and join one of the South Bay’s most anticipated Fourth of July traditions.
All registered 5K participants will receive an official Independence Day race shirt. The race includes chip timing, age division awards, and cash prizes for the top three overall male and female finishers. Kids’ Firecracker Dash participants will receive finisher medals.
PATRIOTIC COSTUME CONTEST
One of the event’s most popular traditions is the annual Patriotic Costume Contest. Participants are encouraged to show off their Independence Day spirit by dressing in their most creative red, white, and blue attire.
The contest will take place from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on the stage located in the Coffee Cartel parking lot prior to the start of the race.
Prizes will be awarded as follows:
• 1st Place – $100 Village Runner Gift Certificate
• 2nd Place – $75 Village Runner Gift Certificate
• 3rd Place – $50 Village Runner Gift Certificate
Whether participants arrive in full patriotic gear, themed group costumes, or star-spangled outfits, the contest adds a fun and festive element to the morning’s celebration.
POST-RACE AFTER PARTY & AWARDS CEREMONY
Following the race, participants and spectators are encouraged to continue the celebration at the Post-Race After Party at HT Grill in Riviera Village.
The gathering will serve as the official location for the event’s awards ceremony and provide an opportunity for runners, walkers, families, and community members to come together after the race. Awards will be presented to top overall finishers, age division winners, and Patriotic Costume Contest champions.
Whether celebrating a personal best, cheering on friends and family, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, HT Grill will be the place to gather following the race.
PACKET PICKUP & RACE MORNING REGISTRATION
Participants are encouraged to pick up their race bib and event shirt prior to race day.
Friday, July 3, 2026
Noon – 6:00 p.m.
HT Grill
1701 S. Catalina Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Race Morning Packet Pickup and Late Registration will also be available beginning at 6:30 a.m. prior to the start of the race.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
More than just a race, the Village Runner 4th of July 5K Run/Community Walk continues a longstanding tradition of bringing the South Bay community together on Independence Day. Generations of families, runners, walkers, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators have made this event a holiday tradition while supporting youth athletics, local schools, and community programs.
“This event has become a Fourth of July tradition for so many South Bay families,” said Mike Ward of VR Promotions & Events. “The Village Runner 4th of July 5K is about much more than running. It’s a community celebration that brings together families, friends, neighbors, and visitors for a fun-filled morning. From the Patriotic Costume Contest and Kids’ Firecracker Dash to the post-race after party and awards ceremony, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we kick off Independence Day together.”
Registration is currently open. Participants are encouraged to register early and secure their spot in one of the South Bay’s most popular holiday events.
EVENT DETAILS
33rd Annual Village Runner 4th of July 5K Run/Community Walk & Kids’ Firecracker Dash
Presented by UCLA Health
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Location: Riviera Village, Redondo Beach, California
Late Registration Opens: 6:30 a.m.
Patriotic Costume Contest: 7:15 a.m. – 7:30 a.m.
5K Run/Community Walk Start: 8:00 a.m.
Kids’ Firecracker Dash: 9:20 a.m.
Post-Race After Party & Awards Ceremony: HT Grill
Registration & Information:
www.villagerunner.com
Media Contact:
Mike Ward
VR Promotions & Events
mike@vrpromotionsandevents.com