3Bear July 4 Races Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary While Supporting Local Community Projects

LAND O’ LAKES, Wisconsin — Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with family, friends, and community spirit at the annual 3Bear July 4 Races on Saturday, July 4th, in downtown Land O’ Lakes.

The event features two family-friendly races that support important local initiatives while encouraging healthy outdoor recreation for participants of all ages.

The 3Bear 5K begins at 9:00 am, with check-in opening at 8:30 am at Luoto’s Fitness. This family-friendly event welcomes runners, walkers, bicyclists, and dogs of all ages. Participants will enjoy a scenic 5K course featuring a variety of surfaces, including asphalt, packed gravel trails, and mowed grass, making it an enjoyable experience for both recreational participants and competitive athletes alike.

All proceeds from the 5K will benefit the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, whose mission is to develop bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect communities throughout eastern Vilas County and to the Heart of Vilas County Bike Trail System. Over the past three years, the 3Bear July 4 Races have contributed $9,700 to support the Foundation’s trail development efforts.

“Events like the 3Bear July 4 Races demonstrate the power of community,” said GHTF President Laura Van Valkenberg. “Every participant helps support our vision of connecting eastern Vilas County communities through safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian trails. We are honored to be a beneficiary of this event and grateful to everyone who chooses to spend part of their Independence Day supporting local causes. It’s a great way to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary while investing in the future of our communities.”

The event also includes a Youth Fun Run for participants under age 14. The Youth Fun Run check-in begins at 7:45 am with the race starting at 8:00 am at Luoto’s Fitness and follows a nearly 1.5-kilometer solid-surface course ending in the east parking lot of Brew’s Pub. Proceeds from the Youth Fun Run will support the Land O’ Lakes Community Playground located at the Land O’ Lakes Town Hall.

“Community participation has been amazing to make the Races a successful event in Land O’ Lakes. This event would not be possible without the participants, our 30 dedicated volunteers, and the many community partners who help make race day a success, including the Town of Land O’ Lakes, the Land O’ Lakes Library, Brews Pub, the Water Supply Agency, the Land O’ Lakes Chamber of Commerce, our sponsors, and Luoto’s Fitness.” organizers say. “Participants choose to run, walk, bike, or simply cheer from the sidelines, with every registration helping to build more bike trails for Vilas County and to maintain the Land O’ Lakes Community Playground and improve recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”

Early registration is strongly encouraged. Participants may register online through July 2nd at www.landocenter.com. Participants may also register at Luoto’s Fitness, 4258 County Road B, Land O’ Lakes. Day-of-race registration will be accepted, but cash only.

The registration fee is $25 per person, and participants will receive an event T-shirt while supplies last.

For more information about the 3Bear July 4 Races, visit www.landocenter.com.