July 4 Trifecta Day 2: Browntown Loop

The Browntown Loop is always run on Independence Day and is this year’s second run in the VHTRC’s traditional Trifecta. The first run was on July 4, 2001, with just three runners: John Dodds, Russ Evans, and Gary Knipling. 2025 thus marked the 25th anniversary of the Browntown Loop.

How it started

You can read about the first four Browntown Loops in these two articles by John Dodds:

• Smokey and The Pundit: Another VHTRC Training Run (2002)
• Browntown Loop: An Independence Day Tradition (2004)

By 2010 there were 25 runners. These days several dozen runners join in this Independence Day tradition.

Russ passed away on December 18, 2024, after a long and valiant fight against cancer. We keep his memory alive every Independence Day by running this memorable foray into Browntown.

The below information was for the 2024 and 2025 event; the details are not yet confirmed for 2026

How it’s going

As in 2024 and 2025, Robin and Adam Watkins have graciously offered to host us. We will start from their property outside Little Washington, run a slightly modified Browntown loop, and finish back at their place with a picnic hangout. It will be potluck style, so please everyone bring a dish to share! They have a large outdoor griddle that we can use and fridge space for people to store food during the run.

A GPX file for this year’s run is available for download in the sidebar. The route is 2.1 miles longer than the historic Browntown Loop, whose details (including maps and turn sheets), are on Furbutt’s Favorites. Note that those maps do not include this year’s modified start/finish, so ignore the parts on the Jordan River Trail and don’t drive to the Bean Hollow Trailhead!

Don’t forget

Bring cash for the OJ Rudacille general store in Browntown. This is the only aid on the run.

And, in the spirit of the day and the occasion, we hope you will wear some combination of red, white, and blue while on the run!