44th Annual Milton Optimist Independence Day 10K Run/5K Walk/1 Mile Run 2026 — Milton, WI

Join us for a race day to kick off the 4th of July holiday in Milton, Wisconsin! Sponsored by the Milton Optimist Club, you can choose from a 10k run, a 5k walk, or a 1 mile run. Proceeds stay local to help sponsor youth-centered school and community projects! Pre-registration packet pickup: July 4th, 7:00 -7:45 am, Milton High School Event Entrance. You may also register day of race at this time for $20. Race start times: 8:00 am for 10k run and 5k walk, 8:05 for 1 mile run 10k run follows an out and back course on country roads with a few rolling hills.** Three water stations are provided on the 10k route. 5k walk starts on the 10k route, but then follows the shaded Ice Age trail out and back before rejoining the 10k runners in the home stretch. You may run the 5K if you wish, but it is non-competitive. There is one water station on the 5k walk route. 1 mile run is located on residential streets with a steep downhill at the finish. All participants under 18 must have parent/guardian permission. **Anyone competing in the 10k must be at least 13 years old on race day, or receive specific permission from the race director. AWARDS: First place overall male and female in both the 10k and 1 mile runs. Timing results for top finishers only; other results are by place, so have a personal timing device if course time is important to you. 5k walk is non-competitive, but you are welcome to run it if desired. Age group awards for first through fifth place in each age category as follows: Mile: 10 and under, 11-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+ 10K: 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+