For U.S. mother runners, July 4 is more than an excuse to eat your weight in hot dog while waving Old Glory. More runners than ever celebrated the United States’ birthday last year by lacing up and running 5K, 10K, or 1776K. OK. Maybe not that last one…

The biggest July 4 race is Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race (which is fixing to be a steamy one this year so hydrate y’all). But BAMRs don’t have to be in the ATL to pin on a bib and shoot out of the corral like a firework!

Like Anne Even, who runs the Lander, Wyoming, half marathon every year.

Anne says, “Here I am with my six month old twins that I pushed in their stroller. They are eight now! This year will be my 11th year of the Lander Half. I’ve done it every year I’ve lived here and will do it until I’m an old lady!”

And Cassie Cyr, who ran the Keene, New Hampshire, Four on the 4th Road Race.

Cassie says, “It’s always fun, hot and energetic!”

And Camille Murphy Giullian, who took on a virtual 5K after having her first baby.

Camille says, “It was 90 degrees in Florida but we did it. My husband did push the stroller and his walking speed was about as fast as my running but I was so excited to get back into it.”

And Heidi Mathis, whose race wasn’t actually on July 4.

Heidi says, “I don’t remember what the specific race was but the theme was USA and I think the picture screams patriotism.”

And a two-fer! Both Cathy Schmit and Erin Abramson ran the Red, White and Boom in Minneapolis.

Cathy and Satah MacGillis, Gena Robertson, and Heather Rossi made up two relay teams. Cathy celebrated with a hot dog at the finish.

Erin Abramson and Cindy Taber Spongberg decided on the hot dog Bomb Pop combo.

And check out Heidi Welte’s ginormous medal.

Heidi says, “This was April of last year, but this has got to be one of the most patriotic medals I’ve ever seen. And it’s huge, it’s like the size of my face.”

And, last but not least, Annemarie McCormick-Howell put on her red, white, and blue for a July 4 run.

Annemarie, who you might know from this post, says, “My birthday run a week early in 2014, one week before a 24 hour race and only 10 days before the end of a very long and hard deployment!”

Have a patriotic 4th of July, mother runners! What are you doing to celebrate?