Heartland Bank Independence Day 5K draws patriotic crowd in Jacksonville

More than 200 runners and walkers turned out at Nichols Park on July 4 for the Heartland Bank Independence Day 5K. Breck Van Bebber said the field had climbed back above 200 after years of decline.

Van Bebber, who has worked with the event for nearly 30 years after taking over from founder Dan Moy, said the race once topped 300 participants about two decades ago before shrinking in more recent years. This year’s edition marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a new shirt logo and heavy use of red, white and blue, a nod to the date that has always anchored the race.

Nichols Park is Jacksonville’s largest park, covering 86 acres in southeast Jacksonville at 110 Holkenbrink Drive. The park includes an Olympic-size swimming pool, a playground, ball parks, gazebos, picnic facilities, horseshoe courts and an 18-hole golf course, and the park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The 5K run and walk started at 7:30 a.m., with a kids fun run for ages 12 and under at 8:15 a.m. The route ran from Nichols Park through Jacksonville and South Jacksonville and back. Race-day registration began at 6:30 a.m. at Nichols Park, and advance entry cost $25 for the first person by June 27 and $12 for additional family members. Participants could also register at Heartland Bank, the Bob Freesen YMCA, Fitness World and the Springfield Running Center.

Organizers lined up door prizes from local businesses and made sure runners had water, Gatorade, bagels and bananas. Final Lap Racing handled timing and results, and the event was held regardless of inclement weather. Age-group awards were set for men and women, with awards also going to children in the fun run.

All proceeds go to Prairieland United Way, which helps more than 35,000 people each year through 30 programs. The organization raised $492,655 in its 2024 campaign.