June 27, 2024 at 9:09am
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Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Running the Northbrook Park District’s scenic Liberty Loop & Lap on the Fourth of July has become an annual tradition for the Schmidt family, children and adults included.
Participating in the event inevitably leads to bumping into friends and neighbors, and is a great way to feel part of the Northbrook community, said Nate Schmidt, who next month will run the 5K with his wife, Tiffany, and their children Theo, 8, and Phoebe, 6.
“It’s a fantastic event,” he said. “We really enjoy it, and it’s a fun bonding experience.”
The event on July 4 features a certified Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk and a 1-mile Liberty Lap Fun Run, both starting and ending at Techny Prairie Park and Fields in Northbrook. The longer race starts at 7:30 a.m. and takes runners through Meadowhill Park, while the shorter race starts at 8:30 a.m. and winds along the Trail Through Time.
“We are looking forward to having the race on the Fourth of July this year and continuing this wonderful tradition,” Northbrook Park District Athletics Manager Meri Shea said. “Staff are working hard to ensure a fun celebratory atmosphere for all.”
The Schmidts started running during the COVID-19 pandemic, gradually working up to longer distances. The family has participated in the Northbrook Park District’s races since 2021, when Nate did the Liberty Lap with his son, while his wife ran the Liberty Loop. The following year, the parents ran the 5K while the children did the 1-mile fun run. The first joint event for the entire family was last year’s 5K, with mom and Theo running ahead and dad staying behind, walking and jogging with Phoebe.
“It’s fun to see them do this,” Nate Schmidt said of his young children. “They have started collecting their bibs and putting their times on it, because they feel very accomplished after. They realized it’s fun to do hard things, and they can move a lot further than they ever thought they could.”
Both children said they love the Northbrook event, which offers snacks, games and raffle prizes after the races.
Phoebe said her favorite part is running by Meadowhill Aquatic Center, while Theo said he loves to meet others and jog alongside them. Theo also has participated in school races and the Northbrook Park District’s Kids’ Duathlon held at the Ed Rudolph Velodrome, his father added.
Nate Schmidt said he encourages others — whether avid runners or first-time walkers — to take part in the Liberty Loop and Lap this Fourth of July. “Just go try it. As long as you’re moving, you’re doing it – it doesn’t matter how fast you go or how slow you go.”
The registration fee for the Liberty Loop 5K Run/Walk is $35 for runners ages 14 and up, and $25 for runners ages 6 to 13. A $5 discount will be applied if you register by June 15. Children 5 and under can run/walk at no charge but need to be registered.
Pre-registered 5K participants receive a dry-fit T-shirt and a gift bag. Winners of each age group receive medals.
The registration fee for the 1-mile Liberty Lap Fun Run is $10. Young runners receive a T-shirt, gift bag and a miniature American flag at the finish line.
Pre-race packet pick-up will be from 2 to 8 p.m. July 3 at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive in Northbrook.
This year’s event is supported by several community partners including presenting sponsor Northbrook Bank & Trust, NA and Gold Level Sponsors Jeremy Lew and Associates, Inc. and SportClips Haircuts. For more information or to register, visit nbparks.org/libertylooplap or call (847) 291-2993.