Fourth of July celebrations are kicking off early at the Muskingum Recreation Center with the 6th annual Red White & Run 5K and Family 1 Mile Fun Run.

Approximately 211 people are currently registered for the event with around 190 of those registered participating in the 5K.

“It’s just a nice community event, kind of get your Fourth of July going in the right direction,” Becky Weir, Event and Program Manager for the MRC, said.

Typically, Weir said anywhere from 150 to 205 people participate in the event making this years run a little larger than usual.

All runners, and walkers, are encouraged to wear their most patriotic costumes and participate in the patriotic promenade prior to the race beginning. Prizes will be awarded to the most patriotic costumes.

At the conclusion of the race, runners, walkers and community members are invited to enjoy red, white and blue snow cones courtesy of the snow cone shack, inflatables, obstacle courses, sports-themed games, a balloon toss and more.

Runners will receive a wristband to participate in the post-run activities, as well as to receive a free snow cone. Community members interested in participating in the post-run activities only can make a donation upon their arrival.

Activities will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The race will begin at 8 a.m. at the Muskingum Recreation Center with the help of Muskingum Multi Sports. The patriotic promenade will be at 7:45 a.m. with the singing on The National Anthem to follow before runners lineup.

“We’ve always had the fire department here with their beautiful flag, and we always have someone singing The Star-Spangled Banner to show our patriotism and thanks to everyone that has helped serve our country,” Weir said.

The 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8:15 a.m. after all of the runners take off.

At the conclusion of the race, trophies will be given to the top three overall male and female finishers of the 5K race. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each of the eight age categories — 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 and older.

For those who are registered, packet pickup will begin Wednesday, July 3, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Muskingum Recreation Center Lobby. Those who are not registered can register and pick up their packet on race day beginning at 6:45 a.m. Registration can also be made online with Muskingum Multi Sports.

All of the money raised from the event will benefit the MRC youth programming, as well as the MRC’s pulmonary and healthy outcome programs.

The Muskingum Recreation Center is located at 1425 Newark Rd. in Zanesville.