Struthers School Foundation and Pizza Joes's 4th of July Parade 5K and Kids Pizza Run

Race Overview

4th of July 5K Race starts at 11:00am. Come and participate in the 10th year for this 4th of July event. Run or walk 3.1 miles, which mostly takes place on the Struthers 4th of July Parade route, as people cheer for you along the way. The run kicks off 60 minutes before the start of the 47th Struthers 4th of July Parade. If you would like, stay after the race and enjoy the parade.

• Start Point: Race starts at the corner of 5th St and Rita Dr.
• Timing: The 5K race will be chip-timed by GCXC Racing - Youngstown.
• Registration: Race day registration and packet pickup will start at 9am.
• Post-Race: Pizza Joe's will provide pizza for all participants after the 5K and kid's fun run.

Race Fees and Registration

The 5K race is $25.00 with a small processing fee. Race day registration cost is $25.00. Must sign up before July 1st to guarantee a shirt.

Registration for enrolled Struthers City School students, who sign up at the Struthers Board of Education Office before 6/30/2026, is FREE. *Must turn registration into school board for free entry. Any student who registers online will be charged $25.00*

The Kristy Taaffe Kids Fun Run

Children ages 4 and above can participate in a 1/2-mile fun run which will start at 11:45am, after the start of the 5K and before the parade. All participating kids are invited to dress up in red, white, and blue, or whatever they choose, to have fun while they learn how running can help them be healthy and happy. This race will start at the corner of 5th St and Rita Dr, head north to the Struthers Middle School where the kids will turn around and head back to the starting line.

Kristy Taaffe was a lifelong resident of Struthers and a Struthers High School graduate. She was very active in the Struthers PTA as well as a devoted runner, having participated in numerous races including a full marathon. Kristy had a passion for children and planned to use her involvement in the PTA to create more programs for the students of the Struthers school system to become healthier and physically fit. Tragically, Kristy passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2016, one day before the first 4th of July 5K which she was planning on participating in. The kids fun run is a way to honor Kristy for her devotion to our area children as well as bring to life her goal of helping the children of Struthers become healthier and physically fit.

Kids Fun Run registration for enrolled Struthers City School students, who sign up at the Struthers Board of Education Office before 6/30/2026, is FREE. *Must turn registration in to school board for free entry. Any student who is registered online for the Kids Fun Run will be charged $15.00* *Shirts and medals may not be available for registrations made after July 1st.*

What is the Struthers School Foundation?

The Foundation was established to provide funds for extended educational activities not provided by the school district. It is incorporated under the State of Ohio as a non-profit organization and will function separately from the Struthers Board of Education.

• Purpose: The monies contributed will provide students of the Struthers City School District with supplemental reading materials, computer equipment, and other sustainable items to enrich their educational opportunities.
• Contributions: Since 2003, The Foundation has awarded over $100,000 to worthy grant applicants.
• Support: The Foundation was established to give alumni, community members, businesses and all other concerned people an opportunity to support the academics of the school district.
• Checks: Checks made out to “The Struthers School Foundation” can be sent to:

The Struthers School Foundation
C/o Dave Howard
99 Euclid
Struthers OH 44471

Race Information

For more details, visit the race page: Struthers School Foundation 4th of July Parade 5K.