Independence Freedom Day 5k/ Down Hill Mile

Race Overview

NEW COURSE ALERT! In 2026 we ran a new course and things went great. The course will be the same this year. Join Grayson County Parks and Recreation and Blue Devil Cross Country boosters for our 11th annual 5k on July 4, 2026.

• Location: 110 Blue Devil Drive, Independence, VA
• Race URL: Independence Freedom Day 5k
• Course Difficulty: Medium/Hard with some hills
• Special Feature: Downhill mile, super fast!

Registration

Registration for the 5k or downhill mile is $25 or register for both races for $30! If you enter the Double, you will only receive one t-shirt if you register in the window to receive a shirt.

• 5K Entry Fee: $25
• Downhill Mile Entry Fee: $25
• Downhill/5K Double: $30
• Fun Run: Free for Kids

Starting Times

• 7:00-7:45: Race day registration
• 7:45: Downhill mile
• 8:10ish: Start time for 5k
• 10:00: Independence Parade

Race Courses

• 5K Course: Begins in the GCHS parking lot, right onto Main St., left on Nautilus Way, right onto Powerhouse Rd. Follow trail to Grayson Rec. Pool, then through parking lot to County Park Lane, and back to school.
• Downhill Mile: Starts in front of Carter National Bank on Main Street, finishes at Grayson Industrial Park, 100 percent downhill.
• Shuttle Service: Participants will be shuttled back to GCHS after the Downhill Mile.
• Course Accessibility: Follow cones for direction on both courses.

Awards

• Winners: Plaques for male and female categories
• Finisher Medals: Awarded to all participants
• No Age Group Awards: Only overall categories awarded