Houston Fourth Fest

Join us at the 2nd annual Houston Fourth Fest on Friday, July 4! The event will include a Road Race (5k, 9k, 17.76k, and Family 1.776k), Houston's Beer Mile Championship, & Houston's Hot Dog Eating Contest Championship. 

As a collaboration between two of Houston’s most successful event producers, Houston Running Company and Negative Split Productions, along with Houston’s #1 Hit Music Station, 104.1 KRBE, the Houston Fourth Fest will bring athletes and July 4th festival-goers together. The event will feature a Road Race with various distances for runners of all ages and skill levels, Houston’s Beer Mile Championship, and Houston’s Hot Dog Eating Championship. Become an inaugural partner and take part in a new Houston tradition.

Become an event partner and take part in a new Houston tradition. 

To get started:

1. Click the PDF icon to review some of the packages available.
2. Reach out directly to our media partner, 104.1 KRBE, at Tim.Gratzer@cumulus.com

Houston's Beer Mile Championship will take place in conjunction with the Houston Fourth Fest. A challenge of mind, body, and beer enjoyment to test athletes of all skill levels. 

RACE DAY CHECK-IN

All Beer Mile participants must go through at ID check on race morning before being allowed to participate. IDs will be checked at the packet pickup tent which can be found on the north side of the south Vintage Park parking lot noted on the Live Race Site Map linked below. Once checked in, a wristband will be placed on your left or right wrist that must be worn through the duration of the Beer Mile contest. Failure to have a wristband will result in not being able to participate. Please note that even if you picked up your packet early you will still need to go through the ID check on race morning. REMEMBER; NO WRISTBAND, NO PARTICIPATE!

COURSE & RACE PROTOCOL

A 1/4 mile loop around the Vintage Park Parking lot allows for a great racing and spectating experience. Athletes will start and finish at the same place the Road Race finishes.

At the start of the race all athletes in the wave will line up at the start line. When the starting horn sounds all athletes in the wave will consume a 12oz can of beer and run the entire 1/4 mile loop back to the start/finish. Once the 1st lap is complete, runners will stop, consume another 12oz can or bottle of beer and then run another loop. This continues until the 4th loop is completed and your official finish time is recorded. 

Relay Team will alternate team members for each lap. For the 2-person relay, member 1 will complete the first drink and lap and member 2 will complete the second drink and lap until 4 total laps have been completed. For the 4-person relay, each member will complete 1 drink and 1 lap. 

LIVE RACE SITE MAP

HEATS / RACE START

When registering you selected which wave you wanted to start with. You must start with your assigned wave or will be marked as a DQ in results. Each wave will consist of 32 runners (relay teams count as 1). 

• Wave 1 - 11:00am start time, limited to solo participants
• Wave 2 - 11:20am start time, limited to solo participants
• Wave 3 - 11:40am start time; solo and relay teams can participate
• Wave 4 - 12:00p start time; solo and relay teams can participate

Additional waves will be added as needed. 

SCHEDULE / PACKET PICKUP

For details about the race schedule please click HERE. 

For packet pickup details please click HERE. 

RACE GOODIES & AWARDS

All registered participants will receive the following at packet pickup

• Custom Beer Mile bib
• Free race photos
• Sponsor goodies
• Finisher medal
• Access to the Post-Race Celebration

All Beer Mile finishers will receive an official finish time and medal at the finish line. 

Awards will be given to top finishers based on finish time.

• Solo Division
  • Overall top 1 male & female
  • Masters (ages 40+) top 1 male & female
  • Grand Masters (age 50+) top 1 male & female
• 2-person Relay
  • Overall top 1 male, female, and co-ed team
• 4-person Relay
  • Overall top 1 male, female, and co-ed team

BEER MILE RULES / ETIQUETTE

In order for your time to be official all the following rules must be followed. The Beer Mile overall rules are pretty straightforward; alternate drinking 4 beers and running 4 one quarter mile laps and be the fastest to do it. We have used the Beer Mile Official Rules from beermile.com as a baseline to create our Beer Mile Rules & Etiquette Guidelines.

1. Each competitor drinks four cans or bottles of beer and runs four laps around a 1/4-mile course (start with consuming a beer, then run a lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap, then beer, then lap - finish).
2. Beer must be consumed before the lap begins within the transition zone. The transition area is the 9-meter zone between the starting line for a mile race and the finish line.
3. The race begins with competitors lined up on the mile starting line, drinking the first beer in the transition zone described in the step above. Competitors can walk/move in the transition area while drinking, but all beer must be consumed in the transition area before setting off to run a lap.
4. Competitors must drink canned or bottled beer that is provided by the event. We will have a gluten-free option available on request.
5. Beer cans must not be tampered with in any manner. (e.g. no shot-gunning, puncturing the can, squeezing the can, etc.). The only action allowed is opening the can with the tab at the top.
6. Each beer can/bottle must be opened by the competitor inside the transition zone on each lap.
7. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race will be penalized 2 minutes. If any competitor vomits on any race equipment at any time (before, during, or after the race) they will be disqualified and marked as a DQ for the Beer Mile.
8. If walking on the course please stay to the left to allow faster participants to pass on the right.
9. Headphone and strollers are not allowed in the Beer Mile.
10. Make sure you wear your bib on the front and on your outermost layer of clothing. This helps ensure photographers can tag your race photos and will reduce the changes of a missed read from your timing chip at the lap finish point.
11. Have fun, but stay safe and responsible. If at any time you are not feeling well please let a race crew member know. There is a medical tent at the finish line.

Save money on your registration fees and earn awesome rewards (cash back and swag) with our Discounts & Referral Rewards!

REFERRAL REWARDS

Get refunds on your registration fee and earn some sweet swag by sharing the event with your friends and family. When you register for any of the live events (5k, 9k, 17.76k, Family 1.776k, Beer Mile, or Hot Dog Eating Contest) you'll receive a referral link in your confirmation email. Share that link with your friends and family and you'll be on your way to earning cash back and swag!

• When 3 people register using your referral link you'll get $10 refunded automatically. When you get 3 more you'll get another $10. This keep going until you've gotten your entire entry fee paid making your registration FREE!
• When your referral count hits 10 people you'll earn your awesome Houston Fourth Fest Trucker Hat! 

Your referral link can be found:

• In your registration confirmation email
• In your RunSignup profile
• On the registration confirmation page when you sign up. 

For additional details about using your referral link check out the RunSignup tutorial by clicking HERE. 

DISCOUNTS

Multi-Event Discount

When you register for any live Road Race distance you are eligible to receive $5 off registration for the Beer Mile or Hot Dog Eating Contest when registering for both in a single transaction. *

Club Discounts

Earn race entry discounts for all of your club members by having 5 or more club members sign up to volunteer for the race.** Once the volunteers have registered and selected your club/team you'll receive special discount codes to use for the rest of your club/team members. 

• 5 to 9 volunteers = 10% discount code
• 10 to 19 volunteers = 15% discount code
• 20 or more volunteers = 20% discount code

*Multi-Event Discounts are only active after early registration ends on 3/31/2025. Register early and save even more! 

**Club Discounts apply once the criteria has been met and the procedures listed on the Volunteer Groups page have been followed. To receive your discount code you must reach out to support@mynegativesplit.com or use the Contact Us button on the bottom of every email and page on the race website. 

For packet pickup schedule and details please visit the PACKET PICKUP page. 

The event day schedule is tentative and subject to change. If any changes are made to the published schedule we will notify all registered participants via email. The complete schedule for each event can be found below the overall event schedule image. 

ROAD RACE PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

• 6:00am - Race morning packet pickup begins (ROAD RACE only)
• 6:50am - Pre-Race Announcements & National Anthem
• 6:55am - Packet pickup ends for ROAD RACE 5k, 9k, and 17.76k participants
• 7:00am - ROAD RACE 5k, 9k, and 17.76K ROAD RACE begins
• ~8:00am - 5k Awards Ceremony
• ~9:00am - 9k Awards Ceremony
• 9:55am - Packet pickup ends for Family 1.776k participants
• 10:00am - Family 1.776k begins
• 10:30am - Course cut-off for the ROAD RACE
• ~10:35am - 17.76k Awards Ceremony

HOT DOG EATING CONTEST PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

• 7:30am - Event morning packet pickup begins
• 8:00am - Qualification Rounds begin
• 10:45am - Packet pickup ends for Hot Dog Eating Contest participants
• 11:00am - Last Qualification Round ends
• ~12:15pm - Finals begin

BEER MILE PARTICIPANT SCHEDULE

• 7:30am - Race morning packet pickup begins
• 10:55am - Race morning packet pickup ends
• 11:00am - First Beer Mile wave begins
• ~12:00pm - Beer Mile Awards Ceremony begins

Transfer Policy

The option to transfer from the Road Race to the Virtual Road Race is available anytime until July 2, 2024 at 11:59pm. There are no other transfers allowed once registration is completed and the 15-minute cancellation window has passed. 

To process an event transfer, click the Manage Registration link in your confirmation email or by visiting your RunSignup profile page. For a complete tutorial on processing an event transfer click HERE. 

Refund Policy

Due to the nature of event production there are no refunds allowed once registration is complete and the 15-minute cancellation window has passed. We do, however, offer RegShield insurance by FanShield LLC that must be purchased at the time of registration. For details about RegShield, please see the coverage details linked on the registration page.

Weather Policy

The race will go on rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, further details will be provided via email to all registered participants.

REGISTRATION

• I forgot to purchase a race add-on (packet shipping, decals, merch, etc.). How can I add those to my registration? 
  • Registration add-ons can be managed through your RunSignup profile or by clicking the Manage Registration link on your confirmation email. Full detailed instructions to managing your registration add-ons can be found by clicking HERE. 
• What is registration insurance? What is covered by registration insurance?
  • Registration insurance is offered through a third party provider and must be purchased at the time of registration. The insurance covers your registration fees if you are unable to attend the event for a variety of reasons including injury or illness, work travel, family illness, severe weather, etc. For more details about RegShield click HERE. 
• I need to claim my registration insurance. How do I do that? 
  • To file a claim click the "File A Refund Request" button at the bottom of your confirmation mail. Alternatively, you can visit https://www.fanshield.com/file-a-refund-request .

PACKET PICKUP

Packet pickup FAQ coming soon!

GENERAL

General FAQ coming soon!

QUESTIONS?

Still have questions about the event? You can always reach us by completing the form at https://www.houstonfourthfest.com/Race/Info/TX/Houston/HoustonFourthFest#contactFormSection. 

Houston's Hot Dog Eating Championship will take place in conjunction with the Houston Fourth Fest. Participants of all skill levels are welcome to test their hot dog consumption capabilities in the Qualification Rounds while only the best-of-the-best will qualify for the City Championship Finals that will take place later in the day. 

PACKET PICKUP & SCHEDULE

For details about the event schedule please click HERE. 

For check-in and packet pickup details please click HERE. 

REGISTRATION GOODIES

All registered participants will receive the following items:

• Custom Hot Dog Eating Contest participant number
• Free event photos
• Sponsor goodies
• Access to the Post-Race Celebration

COMPETITION FORMAT

The Houston Hot Dog Eating Championship will consist of a Qualification Round and the Finals. To compete in the Finals you MUST compete in the Qualification Round. The format is subject to change based on participation in the event. 

Qualification Round

For the qualification round, participants will be given 1 minute to consume as many hotdogs as possible. There will be a new heat every 5 minutes or so. When the timer starts, each participant in the heat will consume as many hotdogs as possible following the event rules listed below. Once the timer has reached one minutes a total count will be added to each participants results and will be posted online. 

Finals

At the conclusion of the Qualification Round heats we'll take a quick break and will begin announcing the participants who have qualified for the Finals. The top 5 participants in each division will be invited to participate in the Finals on the main stage. Each participant will be introduced to the spectators and they will take their place at the Finals table. Finals participants will have 8 minutes to consume as many hotdogs as possible following the event rules listed below. Once the clock reaches 00:00 the final tallies will be announced and we'll crown our Houston Hotdog Eating Champion!

HOTDOG EATING CONTEST RULES

The contest rules listed below are tentative and subject to change. 

1. All participants must be 18 years or older.
2. Contestants may not touch hot dogs prior to starting signal.
3. Only entire hot dogs eaten will be counted (including the bun). Dunking or separating the hot dog bun is permitted.
4. Only provided condiments may be used.

Any contestants caught breaking rules will be disqualified. 

HOTDOG EATING CONTEST DIVISIONS

The divisions listed below are subject to change based on the participation at each level. Any participant qualifying for the finals in the top division will not be eligible to compete in the lower divisions. 

• TOP DOG Division - Top 10 performers in the Qualification Round
• AGED DOG Division - Top 10 performers in the Qualification Round ages 50+

We are excited to partner with One Tree Planted for this event! 

During registration the option to select "One Tree Planted" will be listed with the shirt size options. By selecting this option you are opting out of receiving an event shirt and a tree will be planted on your behalf by One Tree Planted. No additional fees will be paid by the participant and we'll cover the costs of having the tree planted.

When the event is over, we'll send the numbers to the staff at One Tree Planted and they'll get to work planting your trees. Once a project is completed, we'll send you a status update with all the details about your tree and the project you helped fund*. The One Tree Planted team will then take care of your sapling while it grows until strong enough to thrive on it's own. 

*Tree planting projects may take several months to complete. 

ALREADY REGISTERED BUT WANT TO CHANGE YOUR SELECTION?

If you've already registered for the race but want to change your shirt selection or add on a tree planting, you can do so by visiting you RunSignup profile, clicking Manage Registration and then selecting either Giveaways or Add-on. You can also check out these RunSignup tutorials if you are having issues:

• Updating your Giveaway Option
• Add-On Management

Packet pickup will be held on the following dates and times. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to assist with the process and answer any questions. Lines tend to be longest at the beginning of packet pickup. Our team will be working diligently to get everyone through the line in the quickest way possible. Please be courteous to other participants and those that have volunteered their time to help make the event a success. 

Location

Early packet pickup will be held at Shell Federal Credit Union (25514 Tomball Pkwy) and Top Dog Fireworks (16330 Hufsmith-Kohrville Rd)

Race day packet pickup will be help at the race side in the south parking lot of Vintage Park.

 
Schedule

This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all registered participants via email.

• Saturday, June 28 - 9:30am to 12:30pm at Shell Federal Credit Union (25514 Tomball Pkwy)
• Thursday, July 3 - 3:00pm to 7:00pm at Top Dog Fireworks (16330 Hufsmith-Kohrville Rd)
• Friday, July 4 - 6:00am to 10:55am at race site, Vintage Park (110 Vintage Park Blvd)
  • 5k, 9k, & 17.76k packet pickup ends at 6:55am
  • Family 1.776k packet pickup ends at 9:50am
  • Hot Dog Eating Contest packet pickup ends at 10:45am
  • Beer Mile packet pickup ends at 10:55am

QR Code

About 30 minutes prior to each packet pickup you'll receive an email with your QR code. To expedite the packet pickup process please bring your QR code to be scanned. A printed copy is not necessary, you can have your QR code open on your phone screen. 

 
Packet Shipping

Race packet shipping is available to purchase as an add-on during event registration or may be added up until the cutoff date. An email will be sent to provide the exact cutoff date.

If you choose the packet shipping option, your packet will be mailed directly to you via USPS First Class mail approximately 2 weeks prior to the event. When packets are scanned in by USPS you will receive an automated email with your tracking information.

If you did not purchase race packet shipping when you registered but want to add it to your registration, you can do so by clicking the Manage Registration link in your confirmation email or by visiting your RunSignup profile page. For a complete tutorial on managing your race add-ons click HERE.

It is your responsibility to ensure your shipping address is correct. When you select the option to purchase race packet shipping, you will be asked to input your shipping address separately from your billing address input earlier even if they are the same. If you move and need to update your shipping address, you can do so up to the deadline to purchase race packet shipping by clicking the Manage Registration link in your confirmation email or by visiting your RunSignup profile page. For a complete tutorial on updating your shipping address click HERE.

All participants, supporters, and the general public are invited to join in the post-race celebration, presented by Michelob ULTRA. 

Stay and watch or REGISTER and participate in the Houston Beer Mile Championship and Hot Dog Eating Contest presented by Top Dog Fireworks. The post-race celebration will include lots of fun vendors and activities including: 

• Free beer from Michelob Ultra
• Music, games, and giveaways from 104.1 KRBE
• Free pizza coupons from Russo's Pizzeria
• Sliders & fresh lemonade from Hopdoddy Vintage Park
• Fresh tunes and a photo booth from Skai Live Events
• On the mic and MCing the event will be local comedian Rich Williams
• .....AND MORE!!!

The Houston Fourth Fest Road Race provides multiple course options for runners of all abilities and skill levels. Road Race options include a 5k, 9k, 17.76k, and a Family 1.776k Walk/Run. See below for additional Road Race Details. 

COURSE

Push yourself on a flat, fast, and mostly shaded course. All Road Race events (5k, 9k, 17.76k, and Family 1.776k Walk/Run) will start and finish at the same location, both the start and finish will be located in the south parking lot of Vintage Park.

• 5k - Single loop on Vintage Preserve Pkwy
• 9k - 2 loops on Vintage Preserve Pkwy
• 17.7k - 4 loops on Vintage Preserve Pkwy
• Family 1.776k Walk/Run - Partial loop on Vintage Preserve Pkwy

There will be 2 water/aid stations on the course. The first will be located at Chasewood Park on Vintage Preserve and the second will be at the far turnaround point on the course before hitting Louetta at Vintage Preserve. Because the course is a loop water/aid stations will be pass multiple times. 

• Water station #1 will be hit at approximately mile markers: 0.15, 0.6, 2.85, 3.35, 5.5, 6, 8.2, 8.65, 10.85
• Water station #2 will be hit at approximately mile markers: 1.7, 4.4, 7.1, 9.6

LIVE RACE SITE MAP

COURSE CUTOFF

The course on Vintage Preserve Pkwy will close at 10:30a.

• Based on a 7:00a start time for the 17.76k Road Race, you will need to maintain a pace of 19:05 per mile.
• Based on a 7:00a start time for the 9k Road Race, you will need to maintain a pace of 37:30 per mile. 
• Based on a 10:00a start time for the Family 1.776k Walk/Run, you will need to maintain a pace of 27:16 per mile. 

SCHEDULE & CHECK-IN / PACKET PICKUP

For details about the race schedule please click HERE. 

For check-in and packet pickup details please click HERE. 

RACE GOODIES & AWARDS

All registered participants will receive the following at packet pickup

• Special edition Houston Fourth Fest Road Race event shirt
• Custom Road Race bib
• Free race photos
• Sponsor goodies
• Access to the Post-Race Celebration

All Road Race finishers will receive an official finish time and medal at the finish line. 

Awards will be given to top finishers based on finish time for the 5k, 9k, and 17.76k. Overall, Masters, and Grand Masters awards will be determined by Clock Time and will be pulled from their respective age groups (no double dipping). Age group awards will be determined by Chip Time. Age group awards are subject to change based on specific event registration. 

• Overall: top 3 male & female
• Masters (ages 40+): top 1 male & female
• Grand Masters (age 50+): top 1 male & female
• Age Groups: top 3 male & female in the following age groups- 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 & Over

ROAD RACE RULES / ETIQUETTE

For a safe and fun event for all we ask that all participants follow these basic rules and etiquette practices: 

• While on the course, please stay as far to the right as possible and run/walk no more than two abreast to leave room for those passing and completing multiple loops. 
• No pets are allowed on the course or at the race site. 
• Strollers and walkers are more than welcome at the Road Race, we just ask that you start in the back of the chute and take extra caution along the course. 
• Headphones are allowed but, in the interest of course safety, it is highly recommended that you only use them in one ear allowing your other ear to be open to hear instructions provided by race crew. 
• Make sure you wear your bib on the front and on your outermost layer of clothing. This will help ensure photographers can tag your race photos and will reduce the chances of a missed read of your timing chip at the start and finish. 

VIRTUAL ROAD RACE

A virtual race option is available to those who are unable to attend the Road Race live event on July 4. Virtual events are a great opportunity to get out and be active while still competing against your peers on your own time and schedule. 

Submitting Your Results

Results may be submitted at any time during the submission period running from July 1, 2024 at 12:00a through July 31, 2024 at 11:59p. The simplest way to submit your results is by clicking the button below to go to the Results page, clicking on the Submit Virtual Results button, and completing the form listed. For more information and other ways to submit your virtual results please click HERE to view the RunSignup tutorial. 

SUBMIT VIRTUAL RESULTS

Virtual Race Packets

Virtual race packets will be shipped via USPS First Class mail with tracking once the submission period ends. You MUST submit your results to receive your virtual race packet. When the packets are scanned by USPS you will receive an automated email with your tracking information. 

A virtual race option is available if you are unable to attend the live event. Virtual events are a great opportunity to get out and be active while still competing against your peers on your own time without traveling to the race site.

Submitting Your Results

Results may be submitted at any time during the submission period running from July 1, 2024 at 12:00am to July 31, 2024 at 11:59pm. The simplest way to submit your results is by clicking the button below to go to the Results page, clicking the Submit Virtual Results button, and completing the form listed. For more information and other ways to submit virtual results please click HERE to view the RunSignup tutorial.

SUBMIT VIRTUAL RESULTS

Virtual Race Packets

Virtual race packets will be shipped via USPS First Class mail with tracking once the submission period ends. You will receive an automated email with your tracking information once your packet is scanned at the post office.