Poplar run gathering community

The community is invited to lace up their sneakers and join a 4-mile walk or run up and down Poplar Avenue on Friday morning in celebration of Independence Day.

The free event kicks off at 7 a.m. and is meant to start the holiday on a positive note with “faith, family, fitness, and freedom,” said Christopher Townsend, a rapper, veteran, and social media influencer known professionally as “Topher.”

“I wanted to bring everybody out to see Poplar for what it is,” Townsend said. “I run that street every day.”

Participants will run or walk up and down Poplar Avenue until they reach 4 miles, in honor of the Fourth of July.

Townsend said he hopes everyone will give it their best effort, as age-group awards could potentially be handed out to the fastest runners.

“We will have a watering station, but I do encourage people to bring their own water,” he said.

Once Townsend floated the idea, other Poplar residents began planning and spreading the word around town, and now about 50 to 60 participants are expected to join.

“My vision was just to show people that it’s important to celebrate freedom,” Townsend said. “One of the freest things we can do is move—it’s something we all need to pay attention to and take care of.”

The run is a chance for people to connect with neighbors, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate the holiday as a community.

“If people want to come out and make it bigger next year, that would be even better,” Townsend said.

This first run might spark a new tradition ahead of Poplar Avenue’s annual July 4 block party, he said.