A great way to start the morning on the Fourth of July is by running or walking the Firecracker 5K with friends and family. A 3.1 mile jaunt before the festivities get underway will have you energized for the day.

The race takes place on a flat section of the rail trail. There are no roads or traffic issues. The race starts and ends at the Howard George ball field on Lawrence Street.

The race begins at 9 AM. You can find a registration link at “Andover Firecracker 5K” on Facebook. Pre-registration online for adults is $20.00. Race day registration will be $30.00. Kids under 14 years old are $10.00 whether they pre-register or do day-of-race registration.

There are medals for age group winners and railroad spikes for overall winners.

Profits always go to a local non-profit. Proceeds this summer will go to the Merrimack Valley High School cross country team.

Andover community member Brian Reynolds is the race organizer. Please contact him with any questions at blreynolds4@nullgmail.com.

We hope you’ll join the fun this year! Maybe you’ll be able to boast that you are the fastest person in Andover!