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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – Residents and visitors sprinted to raise funds to help local businesses during the fifth annual installment of the Liberty Day 5K early morning on Saturday, June 28.

Starting at 8 a.m., participants gathered in Old Mill Square in Columbiana for the annual Liberty Day 5K which took runners on a tour of the city with an USA Track and Field officially-certified course.

“It was great,” race director Joel Dixon said. “We had a record number this year—we had 244 registered runners. It was a really good crowd and really positive. It’s just such a fun way to start out Liberty Day.”

The Liberty Day 5K saw a host of individuals from across various demographics take the opportunity to run for a good cause.

“It’s fantastic,” Dixon said. “We get people that push their strollers, we get parents that get out there and run with their kids that aren’t much bigger than toddlers. And we had several (participants) who were in their 80s.”

Through the Liberty Day 5K, participants were able to raise $5,000 for the Columbiana Beautification Board to invest right back into the community and support local businesses in Columbiana.

Dixon shared that some participants were able create new personal bests during the race.

“And I don’t care if that personal record was 18 minutes or if that personal record was 45 minutes—that’s one of the cool things about a race—you’re chasing after your best self,” Dixon said. “I love that about running and I love that about races and I love that about the community.”

Those who missed out on the Liberty Day 5K will have another chance to run the same course for another good cause during the 7th annual Forging Families 5K/10K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 in Columbiana.

“If people had a good time at Liberty Day or if they thought, ‘Man, I wish I had done that,’ they’ve got an opportunity on Jan. 6,” Dixon said.

Each year, Dixon partners with the organization Sacred Selections to raise funds for local families to adopt children with the annual Forging Families athletic races. Those who wish to learn more or want to sign up can visit Runsignup.com/Race/AL/Columbiana/4thAnnualLibertyDay5Kand1MileFunRun.