Fourth of July Events Continue to Grow

Fourth of July By-the-Numbers

Number of Finishers

2016 – 329,620 (+13% growth year-over-year)

2015 – 292,700

2014 – 287,844

2013 – 314,860

2012 – 289,098

Number of Events

2016 – 586 (+18% growth year-over-year)

2015 – 485

2014 – 397

2013 – 434

2012 – 424

Running USA Press Release

Fourth of July Races Experience Record-Setting Growth in 2016

Finisher total rises 13% year-over-year, while total events surge 18%

WICHITA, Kan. – For the second year in a row, finisher numbers for Fourth of July races increased, ranking the holiday as the second most popular among runners in 2016, sitting only behind Thanksgiving.

Last year, the Fourth of July saw a record 329,620 runners cross a finish line, marking 13% year-over-year growth, while eclipsing the former finisher record of 314,860 finishers set in 2013.

“The most successful events, not just races, are those which bring together family and friends to celebrate,” said Rich Harshbarger, Running USA CEO. “The Fourth of July is a perfect example of this and shows the power of putting on a race can have on communities, adding an extra layer of cohesiveness and celebration.”

In parallel with rising finisher growth, the number of organized races also saw a healthy increase. 586 running events were organized in 2016, an 18% increase from 2015 and an all-time record. The past record had been 485 races, set last year.

The largest Fourth of July race was once again the AJC Peachtree Road Race, which also happens to be the largest race in the United States. In 2016, the Atlanta Track Club event had 56,993 finishers.

For more information on Fourth of July races please visit: http://www.runningusa.org/fourthofjuly

About Running USA

Running USA is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization devoted to improving the status and experience of distance running and racing in the United States through collective marketing and promotions, information and communications within the industry and to the national media, services to events and industry members, and the development of American world class stars. It seeks the advancement of the sport and the provision of value to each of its members’ events and businesses. For more information, visit RunningUSA.org.

SOURCE: Running USA powered by Athlinks