MIFFLINBURG -- Rain trickled down as runners filled in the starting line for the annual 4th of July Mifflinburg 5K run. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the run, which was the brain child of Tom Muchler, who started the event with small group of community representatives. In the early days the run was lucky to have 30 participants, now it has grown to over 500.

"It's a fantastic event," said Eric Hussar, 46, of Lewisburg. "It was one of the first 5K runs in the area. It has grown over the years, to see a crowd like this is great. Everyone from the community comes out to watch or run. It's just a great time."

The run has grown into the opening event for a day filled with fun to celebrate the 4th in Mifflinburg.

The 5K run attracts competitors from around the area who want to test themselves as well as compete against other runners. Aside from being a measuring stick, the race also attracts young runners who want to participate in their first race.

Runners like Nate Martin, 13, of Lewisburg, competed for the first time and just wanted to use the run as a way to get started celebrating the 4th.

"My whole family runs," Martin said. "It's just a fun way to kick off the 4th with my family."

Andrew Hess, 14, of Bloomsburg, is competing to prepare for a future in running, "This is my second year competing in the race," Hess said. "Next year I plan on going out for the high school (teams)."

Spectators lined the last stretch of race in anticipation for the first runners to finish. Tim Hackhouse of New Berlin finished the race first with a time of 16:53, only five seconds in front of Kip Hoffman of Watsontown. Sophia Ziemian of Lewisburg set the mark for female competitors with a time of 18:09.

Every participant strives to leave with a glass mug signifying their dominance in their age class, but most were there to have fun.

"This is my 10th year," Hussar said. "I know a lot of people are here with their kids. It's just a fun run for everyone."

The 5K run is not the only race held in Mifflinburg on the 4th. As the Mifflinburg 5K run winds down and the last few competitors cross the finish line, young runners get ready for a pair of "fun run" races held for the 8-and-under group and the 9-and-10 age group. Parents and fans could be heard cheering as each young competitor made a dash for the finish line.

"The young kids never seem to tire," joked Hussar. "It's a lot of fun to watch them compete in their races."

The races jump start a day filled with activities, including a pet parade, a concert, and a fireworks display.

"It's an excellent way to start the day," said Hess. "My family comes out and watches, then we head home to celebrate the 4th."