Independence Day Races • July 6, 2013
The 5th Annual Independence Day Races are presented by Running Ventures each year on the first Saturday of July. Held at Lake Harriet, you have the freedom to choose - one lap or two! Fairly flat 5K (one lap) and 10K (two laps) courses provide a great opportunity to put a spark in your running season. Cool down after the race with patriotic popsicles! The event offers a technical short sleeve shirt, Chip timing by MTEC, and cash awards to overall winners in the 10K.
Start/Finish Location
Races start and finish at Lake Harriet Bandshell, located near the north west corner of Lake Harriet in South Minneapolis. Closest street intersection is 42nd Street and W. Lake Harriet Parkway. Parking is available on residential streets. No parking is recommended in the bandshell parking lot or on Lake Harriet Parkway the road way will be closed during the race and no exit will be permitted prior to approximately 9:15 a.m.
Course Map
Important Race Information
No Strollers, Rollerblades, Bikes, or Pets
The Independence Day Races are USATF Sanctioned and for safety reasons in accordance with USATF rules, no strollers, rollerblades, bikes, or pets are allowed in the race or on the course.
Headphones/Ipods Permitted
Headphones like iPods and similar devices are permitted in the race. However, runners are required to be able to hear instructions from race officials at all times so volume should be adjusted accordingly. The 10K race will involve two laps around Lake Harriet which means some runners may be passed by the lead police vehicle and faster runners. All participants, including those wearing headphones, must be aware of and yield to any official vehicles and faster runners attempting to pass on the left.
Tech Shirts
Each participant will receive a short sleeve technical shirt. Shirts are unisex sizing and will be available on a first come - first served basis at packet pick up. Shirt sizes are not guaranteed.
Race Packet Pick Up
Participants may pick up their shirts, bibs and chips:
- On Friday, July 5 at Marathon Sports, 2312 W. 50th St, Minneapolis from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- On Saturday, July 6 at the Lake Harriet picnic shelter next to the Bandshell concession stand near 42nd and W. Lake Harriet Parkway from 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
Refund Policy
We are sorry but no refunds of entry fees are available for any reason. Participants who are unable to participate due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e. injury) may receive a half/price entry to the 2014 Independence Day Races.
