COMMUNITY: Crowne jewel of Cedar Rapids

It's back.

This is the week we've been looking forward to - counting down toward, planning, training and waiting for - the Fifth Season races.

With the Fourth of July just days away, this means the Cedar Valley Running Association's annual road races are just around the bend.

I don't know about you, but the Fourth of July always has been one of my favorite holidays. Located right in the heart of the summer and typically a beautiful hot and sunny day to be enjoyed with friends and family here in the Heartland. It's become a family tradition to kick off the day's festivities by decking out the kids (and sometimes even the dog) in red, white and blue and heading toward downtown Cedar Rapids.

Many other towns and cities host races throughout the year, but I truly view the Fifth Season Races as the crown jewel for Cedar Rapids. Starting in 1986, this terrific festival of races provides something for everyone.

Personally, I prefer to compete in the 8K (4.97 miles) that hs drawn a variety of talent from all around the world.

From the walkers and joggers to the inspirational parents pushing their little ones in jogger strollers all the way up to the leaders of the pack, this race is full of runners in all shapes and sizes.

For a local running enthusiast like me, this is my one chance each year to compete “at home” among some of the finest runners around. The CVRA does a terrific job of recruiting incredible talent to delight the crowds lining the streets. It truly is amazing to see some of these gazelles as they appear to effortlessly float along the streets of our fair city.

Speaking of the streets, have you heard the news? After the race was forced to find a new route following the floods of 2008 - and other issues surrounding the original course - runners have been starting and finishing the race in NewBo the past two years.

Although this was a great locale, the course just wasn't the same as the original route that took runners up the beautiful tree-lined Grande Avenue and finished heading downtown in the heart of the city.

Well, it's back. Race officials have worked with the city and moved the course back downtown. Just like in the good old days, runners will have the opportunity to head up Third Avenue toward Grande Avenue, through Bever Park, and then make their way back toward Greene Square Park for the finish line and a post-race celebration.

Sure, the other course might have been a little flatter and maybe even slightly faster, the new/old course provides a spectacular setting for a race.

If you haven't participated in the race before, you're in for a real treat. Neighborhoods along the course create a real party environment, complete with patriotic garb, grills fired up providing an amazing aroma, sprinklers providing a brief escape from the typical heat and humidity, signs encouraging runners and a terrific kickoff to our nation's birthday.

The race festivities are not limited to the 8K. There also is a 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk, as well as a mile run and a couple different distances offered for children who want to get in on the run.

From age 1 to 101, if you have a desire to start this holiday in an active way, there's sure to be an event for everyone.

Best of all, the event wouldn't be nearly as much fun without the spectators. If breaking a sweat on a beautiful summer morning isn't your idea of a good time, grab something red, white and blue to wear and find a place along the course to cheer on the participants. A word of caution - you might be inspired to participate in the future, you might see a few friends and neighbors out on the course and you might just have fun.

Make plans to join the post-race party being held at Greene Square Park.

Whether your pace more closely resembles that of a tortoise or that of a hare, the CVRA will have watermelon, snacks and refreshments waiting for you.

What's a Fourth of July celebration without a watermelon and a good ol' fashioned seed-spitting gathering with friends?

After sweating it out a bit along the course, my favorite Fourth of July traditions include showering up and heading off for a BBQ with friends, outdoor activities and then a grand finale of taking in a beautiful display of fireworks.

We have so much to be thankful for and our freedom is certainly something to celebrate.

If you haven't done so already, complete your registration for the Fifth Season Races, grab your running shoes and make your way to the course in downtown Cedar Rapids on July 4.

Best of luck - and be sure to have fun along the way.