Stars and Stripes 5K returns Saturday
Connor Winton photos from the 44th annual Stars and Stripes 5K in 2025.
There may not be a better way to celebrate America's 250th birthday than with a little friendly competition.
Before the cookouts begin and fireworks light up the night sky Saturday, hundreds of runners are expected to lace up their shoes and head downtown for the 45th annual Stars and Stripes 5K. One of Warren County's favorite Independence Day traditions will once again begin at 7:30 a.m. on Main Street, with another year of bragging rights up for grabs.
And if last year's finish is any indication, every second could matter.
Defending champion Ray Bishop has already committed to returning after reclaiming the title last summer in one of the most thrilling finishes in recent race history. Bishop erased Bryant Ralph's lead over the final two blocks of Main Street to win by just six seconds, ending Riley Harris' three-year reign atop the leaderboard.
Asked this week if he planned to defend his championship, Bishop didn't hesitate.
"Of course," he said with a laugh.
He won’t have the Ralphs there to push him this year. Bryant has plans that will pull him out of town, while Mickey - fifth overall last year - is still recovering from an injury. There’s a good chance Bishop will have his own family competition though.
Blane Jones, his brother, finished third overall last year. Previous champ Matthew Bratcher was fourth and he could be back in the field this year as well.
All eyes will also be on Harris to see if he returns to try to reclaim his status as the top Stars and Stripes runner. He came to the area from Washington to win in 2022-24, but did not compete last year. There’s still talk that he could make it back this year, which could pit Bishop - a five-time winner - against the three-time champion in a Saturday showdown.
The women's race could feature an equally compelling storyline.
Reigning champion Mary Myers is expected to return after breaking through for her first Stars and Stripes championship last summer. She'll be joined by her siblings, twins George and Catherine Myers, giving the family another strong presence on the course.
The biggest question, however, is whether Mary will have to race against her own mother.
Anne Hunter Myers, one of the most decorated runners in race history, remains undecided on whether she'll compete. Myers currently has a long training run planned for Friday and hasn't made a final decision on Saturday's race.
If she chooses to run, it could set up a rare mother-daughter battle for the overall women's championship.
There may also be one more opponent every runner will have to deal with.
Tennessee has spent much of the week under heat advisories, and while the race gets underway before the hottest part of the day, runners should still expect warm, humid conditions. The current forecast also calls for temperatures climbing into the low 90s with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms, leaving everybody hoping to beat the heat and not having to outrun the rain as well.
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, with same-day registration opening at 6:30 a.m. on Main Street. The event also includes the annual one-mile Kids Run, welcoming young runners looking to begin their own Fourth of July tradition.
Runners can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Mcminnville/4thofJulyFunRunMcMinnvilleTN for a cost of $30.
