Orange Park Acres 4th of July Races

Note: The 2020 OPA July 4th festivities will be postponed until Labor Day.

The Orange Park Acres 4th of July Races are coming! For over 50 years, runners have kicked off 4th of July festivities with the race of their choice: the 5K Road Race/Walk or the 10K Epic Challenge. And 2019 marks the 10 year anniversary of this exciting community event. Racers will navigate through the scenic landscape of Orange Park Acres, where horses and other animals are among the spectators. After the races, participants and spectators will enjoy the annual parade where decorated antique cars, tractors, walking groups, community organizations, and of course, horses, will take to the street to celebrate the 4th of July. All the fun begins in front of Salem Lutheran Church.

5K Road Race/Walk – The OPA 5K Road Race/Walk is open to runners and walkers. All ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Runners and walkers with strollers are invited to join in, and will be positioned near the rear of the group. This is a great way for families to kick off their holiday celebrations. The starting line will be on Frank Lane.

10K Epic Challenge – The 10K Epic Challenge is tough! Races should be ready to really work for this race. The 10K is a cross country race that includes running on multiple terrain types such as dirt and sand, and will likely include a water crossing at a seasonal stream. Runners will hit everything from easy road sections to steep uphill and downhill sections along the course.

Awards – The top three finishers in 10 age brackets of the 5K will receive custom medals. The top three finishers of eight age brackets of the 10K will receive custom medals. The Lucky Horseshoe medals will be awarded to the first place finishers. The first 650 people to cross the finish line will receive Finisher Medals, and there will be awards for the Most Patriotic Male and Female.

Orange Park Acres Parade – The Orange Park Acres 4th of July Parade travels along Meads Avenue with patriotic cars, community groups, music, and horses. The parade begins at 9:30 a.m. so bring your chairs early and set up along the route to cheer on the racers and get ready for an exciting 4th of July.

Equalizers Running Club – The Annual 4th of July Races are organized by Equalizers Running Club. The organization is a non-profit group dedicated to running and fitness for youth. Equalizers Running Club offers coaching and personal training to young people who are interested in running, racing, and general fitness. They also offer small group sessions and P.E. style classes to home school students.

Scholarships and Donations – Equalizers Running Club uses the funds raised from the 4th of July races to provide scholarships to local high school seniors. They provide one male scholarship and one female scholarship to applicants who have been on at least one season of high school track or cross country, or have participated in a [ast Orange Acres 4th of July race. Equalizers Running Club also donates a portion of the proceeds to trail beautification and fire reparation for the community of Orange Park Acres.

Registration Info – Register Online through June 30th or register in person on July 2, 2019 at Salem Lutheran Church & School from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Salem Lutheran is located at 6500 E. Santiago Canyon Rd, Orange, CA 92869. Register the day of the race at 6:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church.

Parking – Parking is available on race day at Mara Brandman Horse Arena located at 6422 E. Santiago Canyon Road in Orange.

Race Day Details

Where: Salem Lutheran Church – 6500 E. Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA.

When: July 4th at 7:15 a.m.

Cost: Free to watch. 5K Racers: $32 until April 15th, $36 until June 15th, $40 through day of race. 10K racers: $40 until April 15th, $45 until June 15th, $50 through day of.

Parking: 6422 E. Santiago Canyon Road at the Mara Brandman Horse Arena.

Important Times

6:15 a.m. – Racers can check in and pick up their bibs and t-shirts at Sale Lutheran Church.

7:15 a.m. – 10K Epic Challenge Cross Country Race begins.

7:45 a.m. – 5K Pre-parade Road Race/Walk begins.

8:45 a.m. – Awards and raffles begin.

9:30 a.m. – Parade begins.