LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The 30th Star Spangled Spectacular kicked off with a bang as runners and walkers hit the streets of Lima for the Freedom 5K.
“I am running here today because I love America and I love running,” says Jacob Wireman, who wanted to improve on his last-year finish.
Jacob Wireman came into the 2024 Freedom 5K with one goal in mind: to do better than he did last year.
“I ran it last year and I got third; I am going for, like, second or somewhere around there,” adds Wireman.
Wireman did finish second this year, but other runners came to the annual race with other goals in mind, like using the run to warm up for cross country season.
“I love doing 5K in the summer because it helps you get a good idea what your times are looking like, who you are running against, and what you need to do to improve,” says Kyla Fallis, who uses summer 5K to warm up for cross country. “I love running 5K. Running has been a really big part of my identity. And I am excited to celebrate the 4th of July here.”
Around 500 people competed or walked in this year's Freedom 5K. The event has been going on for around two decades now and has become a great tradition for people and families to kick off their day of holiday celebrations.
“You can do it with family. People are more than welcome to walk; they don’t have to run. We also have a lot of competitive runners as well. So, I think it fits kinds of everybody’s 4th of July fun and needs,” says Kelsey Joseph, Director of Marketing Superior Credit Union and Star Spangled Spectacular Co-Chair.
Besides recognizing the top male and female, the top three for each age group will get medals for their finishes.
