Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge
Stars and Stripes Run celebrates America's 250th with a flexible virtual challenge.
Race Date
Jul 4, 2026
Location
Lake Zurich, IL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Location
- Lake Zurich, Illinois
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 2.5 Miles, 25 Miles, 250 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 3
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
The Experience
The Stars and Stripes Run offers a unique way to commemorate America's 250th anniversary. This virtual event, held on the 4th of July, invites runners to participate in their chosen distance—from a 5K to a 250-mile challenge—on a course of their own selection or even on a treadmill.
Participants can run on July 4th and report their times to a virtual leaderboard. While the event is flexible in its execution, it encourages a shared spirit of celebration across the nation. Commemorative shirts are available for purchase during registration, allowing participants to wear their patriotic pride.
This event is designed for those who wish to honor the milestone in a personal and adaptable manner, fostering a sense of community through shared virtual accomplishment and the use of event hashtags.
Race-provided description
Run to celebrate America! This 4th of July, celebrate 250 years of America with us! Whether it's the 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, or choose the 25 miles/ 250 miles challenge! Here are the rules...Run it when you want, on a course of your choosing or on a treadmill, and report your time to be added to the virtual leaderboard! Use #StarsandStripesRun or #StarsandStripes when sharing your photos from your run! Registration is free, and commemorative shirts can be purchased during registration.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Start Time
12:01 AM
Start Location
1152 Ensell Road, Lake Zurich, IL, 60047
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
1 year running
~3 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
3 timing sources
runners from 3 states
winner 1:57:45
typical high 49°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
32°
Afternoon (High)
49°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.1"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
69%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
3
Median time
1:58:44
Latest turnout
3
States
3
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge?
The Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge is held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, starting at 12:01 AM.
Where does the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge take place?
It takes place in Lake Zurich, Illinois.
What distances does the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 2.5 Miles, 25 Miles, 250 Miles.
Is the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge course flat and good for a PR?
The Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3 runners who have completed the Stars and Stripes - America's 250th Anniversary Challenge.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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