Get ready to run and fundraise at Four on the Fourth

VINTON, Virginia – The city of Vinton helps give back to youth with its annual Four on the Fourth race.

The goal is to raise funds for the ten Boys and Girls Clubs located in Southwest Virginia. Some of these clubs are located in the city of Roanoke and Roanoke County, the city of Salem, Montgomery County and Franklin County.

Club officials said they have raised more than $295,000 since 2011 through the Four on the Fourth race.

It is the group’s largest fundraiser.

“The money raised from this race really helps with their summer programming. They have summer camps and enrichment programs. The kids in the Boys and Girls Club summer programs get to go on great field trips and work on summer enrichment,” said Mandy Adkins of the City of Vinton.

The race takes place, of course, on Independence Day.

About 400 people are registered, but you can register on the day of the race. The adult race starts at 8 a.m.

It’s also a fun family event. There is a fun walk for kids that starts at 9am. The fun walk is only a half mile.

Several city streets will be closed tomorrow, including Washington and Walnut avenues, Fallon Park and some downtown roads.

The Boys and Girls Clubs have been hosting this event for 13 years and this is the third year the City of Vinton has hosted it.

“This is a great community partnership. The Boys and Girls Club provides great programming for local kids, from after-school care to summer camps and enrichment programs. So we’re excited to be a part of this partnership and be able to host them for this event and then also invite the community to come visit the city of Vinton,” Adkins said.