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The Hairpin

A thousand runners will toe the line at the bottom of the Fish Creek hill on July 4 to participate in the annual Hairpin Run.

For most of Door County, the Fourth of July signifies a celebration of our nation’s independence accompanied by a barrage of tourists, parades, and fireworks. Fish Creek fits in well with the yearly festivities, but it also holds a unique addition: exercise.

In tune with the past 20-plus years, Fish Creek will again play host to the Hairpin Run, a 5k run/walk to kick off the Fourth of July celebration.

Named after the geography of the course, the Hairpin Run begins at Baylake Bank in Fish Creek, continuing up the hill with an extended trip on Gibraltar Bluff Road before “Hair-pinning” onto Cottage Row for the stretch run.

The Hairpin has a deep history, operated through multiple decades by multiple organizations, engaging a wide range of participants every single year. In fact, over the years, the Hairpin Run has involved participants from 40 of 50 states.

Race director Vinni Chomeau considers the wide draw as one of the more impressive characteristics of the event.

“To see the wide attraction across the states,” Chomeau said, “it’s pretty cool that all of those people came to Door County and participated.”

Not only is there a varied range of locations represented, but the assortment of athletes may be even more widespread. Chomeau identifies the Hairpin as a family event, but all sorts of racers will toe the starting line on July 4.

While many runners will strive to cross the finish line first, the family-friendly event caters to all, including those who just want to participate for fun.

“There will be really competitive runners that come, trying to win it. But then there are also people going for their personal best, and then a whole bunch of people who are just doing it for fun,” Chomeau noted. “It’s kind of a good mix that way.”

For the competitive group, trophies crafted by Off the Wheel Pottery will be awarded to the top three finishers from each gender in each of 14 age divisions.

The Hairpin Run has proven to be a good mix for the Gibraltar School District as well, with the proceeds from the event benefitting the Friends of Gibraltar to enrich art and environmental programs.

Registration for the run is open until 7:30 am on race day – one hour before the race – but the race will be kept to a maximum of 1,000 participants.

Before the exciting merriments begin during the night on America’s glorious Independence Day, there will undoubtedly be some exercise fireworks in the morning, celebrating a good cause, good fitness, and a great country.