Press Release!
We are very sorry to announce that the Champaign County Freedom Celebration (CCFC) will be cancelled for this year. This includes the parade, 5k race, and fireworks. The CCFC board waited as long as possible to make this decision but the recent announcement from the University of Illinois (covid19.illinois.edu) to cancel all summer events until further notice prompted this decision. The Champaign County Freedom Celebration started in 1949, and could not happen without the support of our community, including the University of Illinois, City of Urbana, City of Champaign, all local police departments, fire departments, public works, corporate sponsors, and support from citizens like you. As our country goes through this unprecedented crisis, we know that everyone looks forward to gathering together to celebrate our great nation. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you all on July 4th, 2021. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact us at info@july4th.net.

5K Race-Walk

Run with us in

Since 1950, the Champaign County Freedom Celebration has brought area residents together for the sole purpose of celebrating our country's independence.

In 1994, the 5K Race/Walk was born. In 1999, we added a Youth Run. This event brings over 700 people together to run or walk the Fourth of July parade route before the parade begins. It's an exciting and energizing way to kickoff the celebration in the morning before the heat of the day.

For reasons of safety, no dogs will be allowed on the course and participants with strollers must wait until all other runners/walkers have started the race.

Race Schedule

7:30 a.m. - Race Day Registration Opens
8:30 a.m.- Youth Run
9:05 a.m. - 5K Race/Walk

*Registration and Staging: State Farm Center between the State Farm Centers' Northwest and Northeast Parking Lots on Kirby. Parking Location: State Farm Center North East Parking Lot. RACE START: Florida Ave. (between First and Fourth street) across from Memorial Stadium. RACE FINISH: is the same as the Starting Line on Kirby in front of the State Farm Center.

Race Fees

5K Race/Walk:

$20 - Pre-registration (on or before June 27)
$25 - Entries postmarked after June 27 and race day entries.
Hurry - Your last chance to pre-register online is June 27th! (After that cutoff only mailed and onsite registrations will be accepted.)

Online registration is open now through June 27.
Paper registrations will be accepted at Body n' Sole Sports through Sunday, July 1 at 5 pm.
Race day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and close promptly at 8:45 a.m.

Past Race Results

View Race Results

Parade Map

Download Map