July 4 will be a busy day in Kingston, and Rotarians will be helping families to rise and shine with the Kingston Fun Run.

Clint Boxman is co-chairman of the Kingston 4th of July Fun Run, along with Dave Roberts of the Kingston Running Club. Beth Brewster and Nick Jewett are also assisting with the event.

This fun run has something for all running skill levels: 10K, 5K, and 1-mile dash that will benefit the efforts of the Kingston-North Kitsap Rotary Club and the Kingston Running Club.

The 4th of July Fun Run is an annual event, now in its seventh year. Competitive runners are welcome to participate, but runners of all ages are invited to join in this family friendly event. You don’t have to be a runner to participate — you can walk the course.

Non-runners need to know that 10K is 6.2 miles and 5K is 3.1 miles. Last year there were several family entries, including moms or dads with a youngster in a stroller.

Registration opens at 7 a.m. at the Kingston Medical Center located on Barber CutOff Road. You’ll want to arrive early to pick up your T-shirt and get your registration number before the race begins at 9 a.m.

Pre-registration is available online until July 3 at www.kingstonrunning.org. At that same web address, you can learn more details about the event. Entry fees range from $5 to $25 depending on your age group and event. Fees are per race, with ages 18 and younger paying $15 and ages 19-59 paying $25. Runners older than 60 get a $15 rate. For families of five or more, there is a family rate of $125.

However, if on the day of the event you feel like running, there will be on-site registration, with a $10 day-of-registration fee. You will need to arrive at least 30 minutes before the race if you have not preregistered. Parking is available across the street at the Bayside Community Church parking lot.

Clint Boxman will be out early that morning putting up directional signs to guide you through the 10K or 5K course. Rotarians will be stationed at various intersections to control traffic, allowing the runners to continue without stopping. The 10K course is challenging in that there are some elevation changes.

All courses finish at Village Green Park, where runners will receive their time and awards. There are more than 20 sponsors for this years event and almost every participant will receive a prize, regardless of their placement.

The 4th of July Fun Run is also a “fund run.” Proceeds will benefit the Kingston High School track and cross country teams, providing money for equipment and attendance at team meets. Kingston Rotary Club also benefits from the run, using the funds for its SPARK Projects (Schools and Parks Around Kingston).

So, if you are looking for a great way to begin a fun-filled day, consider joining your friends and neighbors in the Kingston Fun Run. Not only will you have a prime parking space for the parade which starts later in the day, but you’ll also be supporting an event that benefits our community.