Running was popular in Europe long before it caught on in America, which is why most races are measured in kilometers instead of miles and why most of the Pilgrims were eaten by bears. Race to the top of the food chain with today's Groupon: for $15, you get entry in the 5K race, 10K race, or one-mile Fun Run on Saturday, July 2, at The Colony's Liberty By The Lake Festival in Stewart Creek Park (a $30 value). The Fun Run starts at 7:45 a.m., and the 5K and 10K races begin at 8:05 a.m.

The Liberty By The Lake Festival kicks off Fourth of July festivities with the Liberty 5K, 10K & 1 Mile Fun Run, which sends legs pounding the ground along Lake Lewisville. Fleet feet are grouped according to age, gender, and lace-tying ability before pulverizing pavement on the 10K route along Shoreline Trail or the 5K race through the Stewart Peninsula Golf Course and surrounding neighborhood. Light-footed lopers of any age can walk, run, or perform interpretative cheetah dances along the Fun Run, in which times are not recorded. Trophies are awarded to the speediest soles in the 5K and 10K races, and all one-mile flyers under 12 years of age are bestowed with participation ribbons and goodie bags. The first 1,000 registered participants receive an official race T-shirt or tank top.

As flying footwear crosses the finish line, Liberty By The Lake proceeds with the celebratory Independence Day Parade. Guests continue to play the day away at the Elvis-impersonation contest and concert by High Definition before the evening reaches its crescendo with a fireworks display as dazzling as the dreams of a laser pointer.