Over 700 people laced up their running shoes to take park in this year's 5K Run and Walk, and for families like the Schaaf’s, the run is a great way for the family spend time together on the 4th.
"It's been kind of a tradition from when we first started and it's sometimes I get a little resistance to it but I think after it's done they really enjoy doing the race and supporting the Fourth of July," says Marlana Schaaf.
8-year-old Cece Schaaf won her age group last year and loves the support her family gives her when she runs.
"They always come help me run this race and they always support me," says Cece Schaaf.
Other runners come back year after year to get ready for future competitions, as the challenging course through Lima is a good gauge to see where they are at fitness wise for upcoming cross country season.
"It's a really fun tradition we do that we're going to be doing every year for our cross country team and I love getting in shape for next years cross country season," says Jordan Bellman, Columbus Grove Cross Country Team.
"It's a great training run it gets us back into the swing of racing before the season actually starts and it's a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July," says Karoline Kopack, Delphos St. Johns Cross Country team.
The race means different things to different people, but the underlying theme is the same, it’s just plain fun.
"It's interesting to talk to some of the people that do this and cause they'll tell you they come to this every year and there are runners and everybody seems to enjoy it seem to be a fun run and walk," says John Walters, race director.
Awards were handed out to the first, second, and third place finishers in 13 different age groups for each men and women who participated in the Freedom 5K.
