Taking place Saturday, July 4, the Auburn Mile will bring runners of all ages and abilities onto the parade route for a one-mile race through the heart of Downtown Auburn. Photo courtesy of the Auburn Mile

AUBURN, CA (MPG) - A new Fourth of July tradition is coming to Downtown Auburn with the inaugural Auburn Mile and Auburn Mini-Mile, a community-centered running event designed to kick off Auburn’s Independence Day celebration before the annual parade begins.

Taking place Saturday, July 4, the Auburn Mile will bring runners of all ages and abilities onto the parade route for a one-mile race through the heart of Downtown Auburn, finishing at Central Square as spectators line the streets in anticipation of Auburn’s Fourth of July festivities.

Alongside the featured mile race, the Auburn Mini-Mile will give children ages 3 and up an opportunity to participate in their own fun run experience while supporting a meaningful local cause. Proceeds and donations from the Auburn Mini-Mile will benefit KidsFirst, a nonprofit organization providing counseling, family support, parenting, education, and crisis resources that strengthen children and families and help prevent child abuse and neglect.

“The Auburn Mile is meant to feel like a community float that kicks off the parade,” said race director Andrew Justus-Fritz. “From the Mini-Mile, to the Mile, to the parade and Auburn’s Family Fourth celebration afterward, the entire morning is about community, movement and celebration. It’s a chance for people to come together in a uniquely Auburn way.”

Presented by Auburn Running Company and organized in partnership with the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, the event aims to create a new hometown tradition that blends Auburn’s strong running culture with the energy and spirit of the Fourth of July.

In addition to individual participation, the Auburn Mile will feature a team challenge designed to encourage local businesses, clubs, schools, friend groups and community organizations to participate together and bring extra energy to the morning’s festivities.

“We wanted this to feel accessible and welcoming from the very beginning,” said Justus-Fritz. “Part of that means keeping what I’d call old school pricing — affordable enough that families, everyday runners, kids, walkers, and first-timers can all be part of it without it feeling out of reach, while still producing a professional event worthy of Auburn. That’s why our sponsors and community partners are such an important part of making this possible.”

The event welcomes competitive runners, casual runners, walkers, families and first-time participants alike.

Registration will remain open until the event reaches capacity. For more information or to register, visit: auburnmile.com