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The North Carolina 4th of July Festival Freedom Run

June 27, 2026
Southport, NC 28461 US

Events

5k Run/Walk

Price: $35
Time: 7:30AM EDT
Price increases after May 25, 2026 at 11:59pm EDT

1 mile Run/Walk

Price: $0
Time: 7:00AM EDT
Registration ends June 26, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
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The North Carolina 4th of July Festival Freedom Run

This event helps support the festival, ensuring this historic celebration continues as a vibrant, family-friendly tradition for our community.


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Ways that you can get involved: 

Participate in the 5K or 1 Mile Event

Purchase a shirt

👕 Shirts are included with 5K registration
👕 Shirts are NOT included with the 1-Mile registration

Running the 5K? Add extra shirts for family members!
Doing the 1-Mile? Don’t forget to grab your shirt!

All proceeds benefit the NC 4th of July Festival ❤️🤍💙

Make a Donation

Volunteer

The Annual Independence Day Celebration

Families looking for a unique July 4th destination need look no further than Southport, NC. The town’s annual Independence Day celebration is the official celebration of the state of North Carolina. Highlights include picnics, arts and crafts in the park, a car show, parade, fireworks, firemen’s competition, children’s games, live entertainment nightly, great food, and of course, lots of red, white, and blue.

The NC 4th of July Festival Freedom Run is  an unforgettable 5K experience along the picturesque waterfront of downtown Southport! The race will wind through the quaint neighborhood, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area's beauty. Take in the majestic oak trees and feel the refreshing coastal breezes from the nearby Cape Fear River. This route promises to be one of the most scenic 5Ks in the state.

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Schedule

Friday, June 26 - Packet Pickup and Kick Off Party

4:00PM - 6:30PM - Cape Side Brewing - 511 N Howe Street

Saturday, June 27 - Race Day

6:00 - 7:15 AM - Last Chance Packet Pick Up (Southport Waterfront Park)

7:00 AM - 1 Mile Start 

7:30 AM - 5K Start

8:30 AM - Awards

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Handcrafted awards created by students at South Brunswick High School

  • Top overall male and female
  • Top overall masters male and female
  • Top three male and female five-year age groups:
    • 14 and under
    • 15 - 19, 20 - 24, 25 - 29, 30 - 34, etc
    • 70 plus
    • All 13 and under kids for the one Mile will receive a small finishers medal 

Course Map

Groups

Running and walking are always more fun with friends!  Gather your crew, your red, white, and blue, and participate as a team! 

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Thank you to our sponsors.

Presenting Sponsors

Water Station Sponsors

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Interested in Learning More?

We will contact you with more information about our event.