Cranford’s July 4th tradition is back! This holiday road race and fun run returns for its 47th year on 7/4/2026 beginning at Nomahegan Park in Cranford, NJ.

Whether you run the classic 4-miler or participate in the family friendly 1-mile fun run, you’ll enjoy a scenic course with a community feel. All participants get a race shirt and a chip timer. 4-milers also receive our commemorative pint glass. Proceeds support the Cranford Jaycees’ scholarship programs.

Be part of one of Union County’s great Independence Day traditions, and start your 4th off with a bang!

Register Here

📍 The Basics

Where: Start/Finish at Nomahegan Park (1033 Springfield Ave, Cranford, NJ)
When: Saturday, July 4th
Start Times: Fun Run @ 8:00 AM | 4-Miler @ 8:30 AM | Virtual - whenever!
Registration: 100% Online. No paper forms or walk-up manual registrations. Please sign up online before arriving!
Parking: Union College parking lot (right across the street)

🎟️ Pricing & Deadlines

4-Miler:

$30 (Register by May 31)
$35 (Register by June 27)
$40 (Register by July 4)

1-Mile Fun Run:

$18

👕 Swag & Perks

Tech Shirts: High-quality Unisex and Ladies cuts. Guaranteed if registered by June 27th! (Check our sizing guides online).
Souvenir Pint Glasses: For 4-Milers only. Guaranteed if registered by June 13th!
The Post-Race Party: Stick around for ice pops, popcorn, bananas, face painting, and a live DJ to keep the energy going!

🏃‍♂️ Race Timing and Awards

Fun Run Timing: Fully chip-timed (start and finish mats) by SplitSecondRacing.net. Get mile splits, live results, and an instant email as soon as you cross the finish line! All kids will get souvenir ribbons, and everyone can download a finisher certificate featuring their official time and placements by age. NEW FOR 2026: Awards for the top 3 Male & Female finishers (ages 14 & under).
4-Miler Timing: Fully chip-timed (start and finish mats) by SplitSecondRacing.net. Get mile splits, live results, and an instant email as soon as you cross the finish line!
Award Individual Categories: Overall & Age Group (Male/Female), plus Overall Non-Binary.
Award Team Categories: Couples, Parent/Daughter, Parent/Son.
Winner Winner: Medals for all categories will be presented right after the race.

🌎 Virtual Run Option

Out of town for the 4th? Run from wherever you are! You still get the tech shirt and souvenir pint glass. Note: You must pick up your swag locally during the pre-race pickup times (we cannot ship items), and virtual results are not officially recorded.