Kick Off the Fourth at Fish Creek Hairpin Run

The Hairpin Run returns to the Fourth of July fun in Fish Creek this year.

After moving to the 1st last year, organizers have returned the long-running 5k race and walk to the morning of the Fourth of July. More than 1,000 runners are expected to toe the starting line at the bottom of the Fish Creek hill.

The run’s toughest steps are its first, when runners begin by charging up the winding hill along the bluff before making a turn down Gibraltar Bluff Road, eventually making their way down the hill that gives the run its name. The hairpin turn onto Cottage Row is a treacherous, steep switchback, but the payoff is a gorgeous finishing mile under the canopy of trees down historic Cottage Row.

The chip-timed race is the most popular 5k event in the county, with proceeds benefiting Friends Of Gibraltar (FOG), a nonprofit organization that promotes the arts and provides unique educational opportunities to Gibraltar students. FOG director Vinni Chomeau said the run is the organization’s biggest fundraiser, raising funds to cover program fees for the entire year.

Strollers are allowed on the course, but bikes and dogs are not. The race is capped at 1,500 runners. Trophies, created by Off the Wheel Pottery in Egg Harbor, will be awarded to the overall male and female winners and top male and female master runners, plus age group awards.

Register online at hairpinrun.com, or in person at the Old Gibraltar Town Hall (4176 Maple Street) Tuesday, July 3, from 2 – 6 pm, and July 4 from 6:30 – 7:30 am.