The New Albany Independence Day 5K is a patriotic July 4 road race in New Albany, Ohio featuring a 5K run/walk, family races, children’s events, and a festive community celebration.

The 2026 event takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

The race starts and finishes in Market Square at 180 Market Street, New Albany, Ohio.

The event is hosted by the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and presented with IVIM Health.

The event includes a 5K Run/Walk/Jog, Competitive Walk, Kids Fun Run, Toddler Crawl, Pet Parade, and Virtual 5K.

Yes, the event includes a 5K Competitive Walk.

Yes, the Kids Fun Run is a quarter-mile race for children.

The free 20-yard Toddler Crawl is offered for very young children on a padded surface installed at the start/finish line.

Yes, the free Pet Parade welcomes dogs and their owners

Absolutely! We just ask that you both line up near the back of the field and keep your best friend on a short lead for safety!

The 5K registration fee starts at $40 and increases in pricing tiers closer to race day.

The Kids Fun Run costs $20 through June 24th, and $25 thereafter.

Yes, both are free events.

Yes, same-day registration is open on race morning

Online registration is available right here. Paper registration is only available at early packet- is available through the official race website and RunSignup page.

Yes, official Independence Day t-shirts are included for 5K participants.

Yes, Kids Fun Run participants receive shirts as well

Those registering after June 14th may have limited shirt sizes or designs available

Youth and adult unisex shirt sizes are offered

Yes, Kids Fun Run participants receive finisher medals. And if you can keep a secret, all finishers in the 5k will receive medals too! We're just waiting for a few details to make a big reveal! 

Post-race food and drinks are included, with cookies from Cheryl’s Cookies and Panera bagels among the goodies!

Yes, Bomb-Pop popsicles are one of the signature perks of the Kid's Run! Adults...well, we'll have to settle for walking down to Johnson's Ice Cream...

Race day packet pickup opens at 7:00 AM

Yes, packet pickup is offered on July 3 from 3-5pm at Marburn Academy, 9555 Johnstown Road, New Albany. 

Time is subject to change.

In Market Square near the Rusty Bucket, Starbucks, and library.

Absolutely, yes! Just let the volunteers know at packet pickup so that they can write the person's name down on the back of each bib!

• 7:45am-Toddler Crawl
• 8:00am-Kids Fun Run
• 8:15am-Pet Parade
• 8:45am-5k

7:45 AM.

8:00 AM

8:15 AM

The 5K begins at 8:45 AM

Yes, walkers, joggers, and first-time racers are welcome.

Yes, top overall (both the 5k Run/Jog/Walk and 5k Competitive Walk) and age-group finishers (5k Run/Jog/Walk only) will receive awards including apple pies and orchestra tickets.

The following cash prizes will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female Finishers in each the 5k Run and 5k Competitive Walk: $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd.

They are as follows:

9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54,  55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over

Prizes are given out to the Top 3 in each age group in the 5k Run/Jog/Walk. 

There are no age group awards for the Competitive 5k Walk.

No. This is a community event. If you see this answer as a green light to see what corners may be cut from the customary rules of competitive walking, that's between you and God.

Proceeds from the festivities go to benefit the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and other nonprofit performing arts groups.

There will be one water station approximately halfway into the race.

There is ample parking in the lots between Market Square and the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany

Yes — strollers are permitted

Yes — referring registrants can lead to partial or full refunds

Headphones and earbuds are allowed but not recommended for safety. A good alternative is to use bone-conduction headphones (such as Shokz) so that you can jam to your tunes AND be aware of your surroundings!

Yes — wear your bib visibly for accurate timing. Also please pin it to your clothing so that the numbers read normally. If you pin a race bib sideways on your clothing, the timing mats will not read your chip.