Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Northbrook’s Independence Day opens in new tab festivities are second to none, starting with the Northbrook Park District’s Liberty Loop & Lap, now in its 18th year.
The annual family-friendly event is open to runners of all ages and levels, and takes place Saturday, July 4 at scenic Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1750 Techny Road in Northbrook.
The event on features an all-ages certified Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk at 7:30 a.m. followed by a 1-mile Liberty Lap Fun Run for children ages 4 to 11 at 8:30 a.m. A DJ will keep the energy pumping at the start and finish of the races.
“The Liberty Loop & Lap has become a beloved Fourth of July tradition, bringing our community together in a celebration of fitness, patriotism and hometown pride,” Northbrook Park District Superintendent of Athletics and Fitness Meri Shea said. “We are honored to be part of so many families’ Independence Day traditions and enjoy seeing generations of participants return year after year. We look forward to welcoming runners, walkers and families of all ages as we kick off a memorable day of celebration together.”
The top runners in each age category will receive medals, and the top overall male and female finishers will be awarded a plaque. Online registration is available at nbparks.org/event/libertylooplap until 5pm on Thursday, July 2. Onsite registration will be available from 6:15am-7:15am on race day.
This year’s Liberty Loop & Lap is made possible by presenting sponsor Northbrook Bank and Trust opens in new tab, gold-level sponsors J. Blanton Plumbing opens in new tab, Commonwealth Running opens in new tab, Floor Coverings International opens in new tab and Jeremy Lew & Associates opens in new tab, and sponsor How About Learning opens in new tab.
Liberty Loop & Lap Schedule
7:30 a.m. Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk
Enjoy a run or walk on a certified 5K course starting at Techny Prairie Park and Fields (1750 Techny Road) and looping through Meadowhill Park. Winners receive medals, and pre-registered participants receive a dry-fit T-shirt and gift bag.
8:30 a.m. Liberty Lap Fun Run
This one-mile modified Liberty Loop course welcomes junior joggers. The course starts and finishes at Techny Prairie Park and Fields (at the same location as the 5K) and winds along the park’s Trail Through Time. Young runners receive a T-shirt, gift bag and a miniature U.S. flag at the finish line. The Northbrook Fourth of July festivities will continue with:
The Fourth of July parade starting at 4 p.m. just west of Westmoor School (2500 Cherry Lane) and ending at Village Hall (1225 Cedar Lane).
Entertainment starting at 7 p.m. at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome at Meadowhill Park (1479 Maple Avenue), including a DJ, Kona Ice truck and family activities led by the Rotary Club of Northbrook.
Fireworks at dusk that can be viewed from Meadowhill Park (1479 Maple Avenue) and Techny Prairie Park and Fields (1750 Techny Road).