
From the Organizer
Kick off your Independence Day celebration with the Flying Anvil, where small-town pride, community spirit, and American tradition come together in a one-of-a-kind event to celebrate our countries 250th anniversary.
The race begins and ends at Johnson Machine Works, where participants will gather for an unforgettable start featuring the iconic Flying Anvil—a tribute to craftsmanship, strength, and the hardworking spirit that built JMW and our country.
📅 Date & Time: July 4th, 8:00 AM
💰 Registration Fee: $25. Race entries are accepted on race day until 7:45am
👕 Shirts: Guaranteed for those who register by June 18th. If registered afterward, shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
🏅 Medals: All participants will receive a medal, with special awards to the Overall Male and Female Winners.
Packet Pickup Information:
318 N. 11th St., Chariton, IA 50049 (Johnson Machine Works)
- July 3rd 12:00pm to 4:30pm
- July 4th 6:45am-7:45am
Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming for a personal best or someone looking for a fun way to support local athletics, the Flying Anvil 5K is the perfect race for you. Bring the whole family and enjoy all kinds of Independence Day fun & festivities!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event. See you at the starting line!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A 7-day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
84°
Typical Low
61°
Chance of Rain
34%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Chariton 1 E, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
4,235
as of 2023
Elevation
1,034 ft
Nearest Airport
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 40 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Coming Up
Pleasantville Firecracker Sunset Run
24 miles away
Red Rock Balloon Fest 5k/10k
33 miles away
77th Annual Pancake Day Fun Run
30 miles away
Wild Boar Challenge
33 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Flying Anvil 5K
Jul 4, 2026