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People take part in an annual Independence Day hot dog eating contest in downtown Pensacola. Melissa Nelson-Gabriel/mnelsongab@pnj.com

There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day in sunny Pensacola.

Whether heading to the beach to soak up the sun and waves or catching a local fireworks show, the Gulf Coast is sure to have plenty of partygoers ready to celebrate its 243rd birthday. 

For those looking to leave the Fourth of July in peak physical condition and with a happier liver, there are plenty of ways to stay active with patriotic and previously scheduled events. 

Here’s a look at five exercise events in the Pensacola area this Independence Day:

Run – Celebrate Freedom 5K and One Mile Fun Run/Walk

About: Once called the Jay Oil Run in the 1980s, north Santa Rosa County’s annual Independence Day run returns for its 20th running after its re-founding in 2000. Race director and veteran local runner Matthew Dobson recalled Jay’s running tradition during the “Running Boom” of the 1980s.

“Back in the early 1980s there used to be a Sheriff’s Bayfront 5K Run in Pensacola at midnight on July 3rd. Several runners would participate in that race, then drive to Jay and run the Jay Oil Run eight hours later.”

Online registration: $20 via www.active.com

Race day registration: $25 beginning 6:30 a.m. at Jay City Park (5259 Booker Lane)

Proceeds: Benefit Jay Volunteer Fire Department and Jay High Cross Country

Gulf Coast Brewery Run

About: The Pensacola Runners Association’s weekly 5K fun run held at the Gulf Coast Brewery (500 E Heinberg St, Pensacola) is set for 6 p.m. Thursday. Participants get a free beer of their selection. Families and pets welcome.

Registration: Free

Ride – Independence Day Ride

About: The West Florida Wheelmen will host a special Fourth of July ride to supplement their usual Thursday evening rides. Participants will be split into three separate riding groups of varying speeds and distance rides. Participation is free.

A Route: 48 miles, moderate to fast pace

B Route: 26 miles, moderate pace

C Route: 18 miles, slow pace

Start/Finish: Veterans Memorial Park (200 S. 10th Ave.)

Time: 6:30-9:30 a.m.

Paddle – 4th of July Night Paddle

About: Pensacola PaddleSport Rentals and Aloha Paddling Company are set to host another Independence Day Torchlight Tour, promising a special view of Blue Wahoos Stadium fireworks. Space is limited for the tours, however, so move fast to reserve your spot.  

Time: 6:30 p.m.  

Reservations: Call 850-255-5423

Eric J. Wallace can be reached at ejwallace@pnj.com or 850-525-5087.