If you’re a running enthusiast, you don’t let the hot temperatures keep you from doing what you love. Summertime is the perfect season for Davis County runners to find local races. 

And you don’t have to be a professional to enjoy these runs. 

Men and women, boys and girls of all ages and ability levels have the chance to participate in a handful of races throughout the county in the coming months. The time is now to secure your spot in an event or two. 

Liberty Fest Races, North Salt Lake, June 29

North Salt Lake offers three different races on June 29, a 5-mile, 2-mile and 1-mile run, all part of the Liberty Fest, the city’s annual three-day celebration. These three races are just a small part of the fun and festivities of Liberty Fest. 

The 5- and 2-mile races start at 7 a.m., while the 1-mile run begins an hour later at 8 a.m. The variety of options provide a chance for just about anyone to take part in the day of running. Once you’re through with your run, don’t head home quite yet. The day of June 29 includes music, bounce houses, a magic show and a volleyball tournament. Best of all, the Liberty Fest is free.

Centerville Freedom Run, Centerville, July 4

Celebrate Independence Day with this annual race, the Freedom Run, now in its 45th year. Sponsored by the Centerville-Farmington Rotary Club, this event is a significant fundraiser for the organization. The race is a 5K, which begins early at 7 a.m., allowing you to beat the heat and have the rest of the day to ring in the big holiday. 

The 5K begins at Centerville City Hall, 250 North Main Street. There is also a 1-mile run for kids 12 and younger as well as a ¼-race for runners ages 8 and younger. 

You can register now by going to https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=350188. It’s just $15 to participate in the 5K and $5 for the 1-mile race. The ¼-mile race is free. Participants in the 5K and 1-mile races can pay an extra $10 and get a T-shirt. Act now, because the fees increase on July 1. Those who sign up can pick up their race packets the day before the event, July 3 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Centerville City Hall. 

Freedom Run 5K, Clearfield, July 4

If you can’t make it to the Centerville race on July 4, perhaps the Freedom Run 5K in Clearfield suits you more. 

This 5K race begins at 7 a.m. at Steed Park in Clearfield, 300 North 1000 West. Head to https://clearfieldcity.activityreg.com to sign up. It’s just $10 to sign up before July 4. The fee increases to $15 for same-day registration. The course also ends at Steed Park. 

In conjunction with the 5K, there is also a 1-mile run, which also starts at 7 a.m. The cost is $7, with the fee going up to $10 if you sign up the day of the race, July 4 between 6 and 6:45 a.m. It also begins and finishes at Steed Park. 

Farmington Festival Days Races, Farmington, July 13

For something a little more challenging, you might want to check out the Farmington Festival Days Races. This event includes a 10K run, which takes you on the streets and trails of the city, experiencing nice scenery. Kids 11 and under who sign up before July 11 will have a registration fee of $15 instead of the usual $20. Day-of-race fees are $25. 

There is also a 5K run, and it, along with the 10K run, begins at 7 a.m. Participants receive a T-shirt, refreshments at the finish line and breakfast. The top three male and female finishers receive trophies. Also, the top three finishers in each age division receive medals. 

Those who sign up can pick up their race packets on July 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Farmington City Hall, 160 South Main Street. Register today at https://www.raceentry.com.

Pioneer Days 5K, Layton, July 13

July 13 also features a 5K run in Layton as part of that city’s Pioneer Days. Sponsored by Weber State University Campus Recreation, this race loops around the Weber State Davis Campus in Layton, providing gorgeous views and a well-maintained course. 

The race starts at 7:30 a.m. on the plaza behind the D2 building. You can register now by gong to https://www.raceentry.com/races/pioneer-days-5k/2024/register. You can also register the day of the event up until 7 a.m. 

The top male and female finishers in the 5K will receive a reward. However, everyone who takes part in the race will receive a medal and a race tank. 

Handcart Days Half Marathon, Bountiful, July 20

Perhaps the most well-known set of races in the county belong to the Handcart Days in Bountiful, held four days before Pioneer Day on July 20. This event features three different races: a half-marathon, 5K and 1K. 

You can register now by visiting https://www.southdavisraces.com/handcart-days/. Fees are as follows: $39 for the half-marathon, $29 for the 5K and $19 for the 1K. These runs are for early birds, as the half-marathon starts at 5:30 a.m., followed by 6:30 for the 5K and 7:30 for the 1K. You’ll be able to pick up your race packets on July 19 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Bountiful Junior High School, 500 North 200 West. You can also pick up these materials the day of the races beginning at 5 a.m. 

Participants will receive race shirts, sponsor swag, race bibs and timing chips. There are even pre-race snacks to provide runners with energy. There are 24 age groups in the half-marathon and 5K. The 1K is designed for kids 13 and under.