Celebrate Independence Day at the Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th Race

Registration continues for the 12th annual Elmhurst Running Club 4 on the 4th race, which starts at 7:15 a.m., Monday, July 4, on Prospect Ave. at Elmhurst College.

The 4-mile race, named 2015 Race of the Year by the Chicago Area Runners Association, has a cap of 1,300 runners. In addition, a Kids’ 1K event is offered with a limit of 200 runners. This represents the only Fourth of July event in Elmhurst.

Presented by Prairie Path Foot and Ankle Clinic in Elmhurst, the event benefits the Elmhurst Children's AssistanceFoundation and is on the quality-first CARA Runner's Choice Circuit and Youth Circuit.

Online registration is available at www.4on4th.com, and runners who enter by 10 p.m. Thursday, can pick up their packets, race numbers and t-shirts from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at Fleet Feet Sports, 124 E. Schiller St., Elmhurst.

In-person registration will be available at Fleet Feet during packet-pickup hours and from 5:45 to 7 a.m. race day at Elmhurst College, but the entry fee increases to $35.00.

"This is a fun community event and a great way for runners and their friends to jump-start their Fourth of July celebrations,'' race director Bob Richards of the Elmhurst Running Club said. "We'll see many everyday fitness lovers out bright and early along with some fast runners from around the Chicagoland area."

Among those running this year are the race's original winners back in 2005, Tera Moody of Chicago and Jim Akita of Elmhurst. Chirine Njeim, a three-time Winter Olympian from Lebanon, who will be in the Summer Olympics in the women's marathon, also has entered. Two 91-year-olds, Bob McKeague of Villa Park and Robert Taylor of Oak Park, are running as well.

"We're hoping for a big turnout," Richards said. "I can't think of a better way to start the Fourth in a city known for its running."

For more information, visit www.4on4th.com.