Celebrate America in Annapolis with these fitness events!
The Fourth of July is this week, and there's still time to get patriotic and combine your love of all things red, white, and blue with some exercise, come Thursday. Annapolis is going to be loaded up with plenty of 4th-themed fitness events. Check them out below!
1. Fourth of July Fun Run
Brought to you by Charm City Run Annapolis, this four-mile fun run is free and open to all on Thursday morning. Leaving the store at 8:30 a.m., the running group is going to plod around town decked out from head to toe in patriotic gear. Now would be a good time to break out those American flag running shorts you've been dying to show off. Jogging strollers, kids, newbies, and pros are all welcome to this run. United we run! Bonus: yummy treats will be served in the store, post-run. Not around Annapolis on the 4th? That's okay! Other Charm City Run stores are having their own patriotic fun runs that day, too. Just find your nearest location!
2. SUP Naptown!
Capital SUP will be running a special stand-up paddleboard tour in time with the Annapolis fireworks on July 4. Prices vary, starting at $40 if you bring your own board (BYOB) and go up from there depending on how you want to travel the waterways downtown. But it's more than just a paddleboard tour and fireworks show (in case that isn't enough)! Capital SUP is hosting a cookout (starting at 6:30 p.m.) before launch at 8. Fireworks start at 9:15, which gives you plenty of time for a leisurely paddle down to a front row seat of the fireworks display. Make sure to reserve your spot on the tour ahead of time!
3. Go Virtual.
Looking for a bit more flexibility as you celebrate America between cookouts and BBQs? Well, join in the virtual 5- or 10k (your choice!) that benefits Homes for Our Troops, a nonprofit looking to develop homes for severely injured veterans. A portion of your registration costs will be donated to this organization. You can walk or run anywhere or at any time to show your patriotism and support for our country! Plus, you'll get a participation medal and official race bib.
4. Choose your own adventure.
Looking for something a little bit more low-key and traditional? Head out for a walk downtown in the evening to catch the Annapolis parade at 6:30. Keep going and hit up Susan Campbell Park and City Dock for some live music from the Naval Academy Concert Band at 8 and the fireworks display. Walking (and standing) burns calories, too!
Stay safe if you're out and about after dark. Lots of pedestrians fill the streets of downtown Annapolis. There will also be lots of extra cars because out-of-towners want to enjoy the 4th in our state's capital as well. Stick to the sidewalks when you can, wear reflective clothing, and have fun! Happy Fourth of July, everybody!
The Run-Around is a weekly feature, focusing on fitness in and around Annapolis, MD.
