LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – This Independence Day weekend, Arkansans will be lacing up their sneakers for more than just fireworks. From speedy city sprints to small-town fun runs, a variety of 5Ks and community events are planned for July 4 and 5, offering a festive and fitness-friendly way to celebrate the Fourth.
Firecracker Fast 5K – Little Rock | July 4
The Firecracker Fast 5K, one of Arkansas’s most iconic holiday races, returns to Little Rock for its 49th year. Known for its point-to-point course and lightning-fast times, this race attracts runners seeking a personal best and a strong sense of patriotism.
Starting on Kavanaugh Boulevard and finishing near War Memorial Stadium, the route offers a smooth, mostly downhill trek past city landmarks like the Little Rock Zoo. The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m., with packet pickup beginning at 6 a.m. and the National Anthem scheduled for 7:25 a.m.
Finishers 12 and under receive medals, and the top 50 men and women overall will take home awards. Runners who register early are guaranteed an event shirt. This race is presented by Fleet Feet Little Rock.
Freedom Fest 5K – Greenwood | July 4
In western Arkansas, Greenwood will celebrate its 47th annual Freedom Fest 5K. This long-running race starts at 7 a.m. and includes plenty of small-town charm. Early registration is discounted, and the first 200 runners to sign up by mid-June are guaranteed a race shirt.
Packet pickup is held the day before the race at the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce office. The course provides a family-friendly atmosphere and a festive start to the day’s larger holiday celebration.
Run for the Fireworks 5K and Tour de Horseshoe – Hughes | July 5
For those who want to stretch the celebration to the next day, Hughes offers a unique pairing: a 15-mile bike ride followed by a 5K run. The Tour de Horseshoe bike race begins at 7:30 a.m., with the Run for the Fireworks 5K starting shortly after at 8 a.m.
Both events take place at Kamp Karefree and serve as fundraisers for the local fire department and community fireworks display. Participants who registered by early June receive event shirts, and same-day registration is available for both races.
CRC Firecracker Fun Run – Conway | July 5
Runners in central Arkansas can join the Conway Running Club for its annual CRC Firecracker Fun Run. This untimed, festive 5K and 1-mile “Sparkler” run invites kids, families, stroller-pushers, and even leashed pets to join the celebration.
The fun run begins at 8 a.m. and includes refreshments and prize drawings after the event. CRC members run for free, and a small registration fee applies for non-members. Patriotic attire is encouraged.
Freedom Fest Sulphur Creek 5K – Heber Springs | July 5
Heber Springs will host its own holiday run as part of its Freedom Fest celebration. The Sulphur Creek 5K is set to begin at 8 a.m., with packet pickup starting at 6:30 a.m. The scenic course follows the Sulphur Creek Trail and offers runners a relaxed, nature-filled experience before the day’s festivities.
Whether you’re chasing a personal record, supporting your community, or just looking for a fun way to start the day, these Independence Day runs offer a high-energy, healthy celebration of freedom across the Natural State. So throw on your red, white, and blue—and let freedom run!
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
