35th July 4 Race: What You Need to Know

With thousands ready to descend on North Canton's annual July 4 Race, YMCA family and community director Kathy Yaros says the event will resemble a party as much as it will a race.

"This place looks like New Year's Eve in Times Square," she said.

About 2,500 people are expected to participate in the race, including serious runners, casual walkers and wheelchair athletes. More than 140 volunteers are lending hands to the Independence Day event.

Though this race will be the 35th edition, the is introducing several activities this year. Along with the two- and five-mile courses, the event will also feature a kids firecracker dash for children ages six and younger. The short run is free, but children must be registered before the race.

Also, U.S. Army and YMCA member Mark Sundbury has organized a two-mile shadow July 4 race in Afghanistan. Yaros said Sundbury has participated in the North Canton race for years and still wanted to be a part of it this year, despite deployment. Sundbury's event is scheduled to take place about eight hours before the one in North Canton, so Yaros hopes to receive footage on YouTube to share with the crowd.

“This is especially meaningful to us, that on this day, when we are celebrating our freedom , that those who are fighting to preserve it can participate with us” YMCA Executive Director Ben Wheeler said. “We are honored to be able to have them running with us, in spirit.”

It's not too late to register for any of events on July 4. Here's what you should know:

• You can register for the two- and five-mile races here. The link also offers register for the two-mile wheelchair race and for those who want to combine races and run seven miles. Be sure to view the PDF on the right to see the race courses. They all start on Main Street near the YMCA.

• Saturday is the last day to register at lower rates — $22 for individuals and $70 for a family. From July 1-3, the rates climb to $25 for individuals and $80 for families. July 3 is the final day to register as a family.

• The Y will host packet pickup from noon to 8 p.m. on July 3.

• Last-minute packet pickup and registrations will take place from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. on July 4. Last-minute participants will be charged $40.

• The children's Firecracker Dash begins at 7:45 a.m. Kids must be registered by 7:30 a.m.

• The two-mile race begins at 8:10 a.m. The five-mile run starts at 8:30 a.m.

• The YMCA's physically challenged class will have a shadow walk at Price Park at noon on July 3.

Visit www.ymcastark.org or contact race director Debbie Goldthorpe or Kathy Yaros at 330-499-2587 for more information.