The 4th of July celebration in Topeka, Indiana is a grand tradition. Each year, the tiny town comes alive with a fireworks display, a parade, basketball and softball tournaments, food vendors, and of course, a buggy racing competition where teams of four people compete by pulling Amish buggies down main street (this is Amish country after all!). But before the fireworks blast off or kids race to pick up candy at the parade, the day begins with the Topeka 4th of July Road Run. Begun in 1974 and held every year since, the road run is the oldest consecutively run race in the state. This year's race, the 48th annual, will take place on Sunday, July 4th at the Topeka East Park located at 510 E Lake Street.

The road run has two events for kids and adults. We will kick things off at 8:15 a.m. with a One-Mile Fun Run for kids 13 and under. It’s a great opportunity for kids to try something new and get active. Medals will be awarded to the top three boys and girls, and all kids will receive a participation prize. At 8:30, the 5K race, open to all ages, will begin at the park and wind its way through the streets of Topeka. Prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women overall as well as to the top two finishers in each of 13 age divisions.

******RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP STARTS AT 6:45 AM in the parks pavilion!!******