Four on the Fourth

Race Info

The Four on the Fourth is the first race in the Le Tour de Carrboro series. It is a 4-mile race that starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, at McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27516.

The race series includes scoring, with prizes provided by Fleet Feet. Participants can sign up for the 3-race series for $95 or an individual race for $35. The event features certified courses, professional timing, and handmade pottery awards.

Details about other races in the series: Carrboro 5K/10K on October 3 and Gallop & Gorge 8K on Thanksgiving morning, November 26.

Location

McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Rd, Chapel Hill, NC US 27516

Registration and Bib Pickup

In-person registration and bib pickup will be available at Fleet Feet in Carrboro on Friday, July 3, from 12-6:30 pm. Race day morning pickup and registration at McDougle Middle School from 6:30-7:45 am. In-person registration will be electronic via QR code; bring a smartphone and credit card. Pre-registered participants will receive a QR code for faster pickup.

Race entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Course

The race begins in front of McDougle Middle School, winds through Carrboro's neighborhoods, and finishes on the McDougle track. The course is USATF certified.

Hydration

Water stops will be available at mile 2 and mile 3. Participants are advised to hydrate before the race due to expected hot and humid conditions.

Parking

Parking is available at 3 lots in front of McDougle Middle School, a fourth lot behind the school (off of Hillsborough), and at Hank Anderson Community Park (off of Highway 54). Carpooling is recommended.

Awards

Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female winners in Open, Masters (40+), and various age groups (9 & under up to 80+). Special awards for Athena (female, 160+ lbs) and Clydesdale (male, 220+ lbs) categories. Awards are crafted by local artist Janet Resnik. Overall and top age group winners receive coffee from Carrboro Coffee Roasters. A $50 prize is offered for beating the course record.

Kids Races

The "Little Firecracker" races are FREE for children aged 2-10 and will be held after the main race awards ceremony. Races include 50m (2-3 yr olds), 100m (4-5 yr olds), and 200m (6-10 yr olds).

Policies

Baby strollers and joggers are permitted, but participants should start at the back. Pets are not permitted on the race course. Walkers are welcome; follow pedestrian rules if the trailing police car passes.

Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for various roles including Course Monitors, Refreshments, Finish Line, Kids Activities, Parking, and Post Race Clean-Up. Contact [email protected] for volunteer inquiries.

Community Partners

Donations have exceeded $750,000 to Community Partners since 2005. 2026 partners include Carrboro Boy Scout Troop 845, Carrboro Family Garden, Meals on Wheels in Orange County, Optimist Club of Chapel Hill, Orange County Rape Crisis Center, Table, UNC Get Real & Heel Cancer Exercise Program.

Race Contact Info

Race director contact: [email protected]