Many cities hold Fourth of July celebrations so their residents can all come together to celebrate the nation’s birthday, and for the past three years, the city of Russellville has joined in the tradition by sponsoring “Jam on Sloss Lake” at Sloss Lake Park on Alabama 24.
In the past, the celebration has included live music, children’s events, a car show and a fireworks display to conclude the evening, but to keep up with the interests of the people in the county, event coordinators have added a 5K run/walk to this year’s schedule of events on July 4.
The race will cover a 3.1 mile running/walking trail that will start at the Lee Complex adjacent to Sloss Lake and end at the Sloss Lake pavilion on the west side of the lake. Registration for the race is $15 per person through July 1 and $20 per person July 2 through the race day. Families of four or more can register for $50 and active or retired military members can register for $10. Race day registration will be from 6 a.m. until 6:45 a.m. and the race will start at 7 a.m.
Each registered runner or walker will receive a T-shirt, and age group awards will be given to the top three finishers in each male and female age group. Overall winner awards will be given to the top male and female and Overall Masters (40+) awards will be given to the top male and female masters.
The course will have a water stop, EMS personnel on hand and multiple course volunteers to help with any problems. Post-race refreshments will include pizza, watermelon, cookies, bananas, Gatorade, Powerade and water.
LaDonna Hitt, who is serving as the director of the 5K event, said proceeds from the race will be used to develop and maintain running and walking trails in the city and for new amenities at Sloss Lake.
People interested in registering for the “Jam on Sloss Lake 5K” can register online at active.com or at the Police and Municipal Court Building at 400 North Jackson Ave. in Russellville.
For questions, contact Hitt at 256-324-0173 or at ladonnahitt@att.net.