CUMBERLAND - It started out as one man's idea and has mushroomed into an annual event.

The 40th running of the Arnold Mills four-mile Road Race will take place on Friday, July 4, starting at 9 a.m.

Forty years ago, Tom Grundy, an avid runner and Arnold Mills resident, thought it might be a good idea to have a road race through the rural streets of Arnold Mills in advance of the annual parade of Ancients and Horribles. He organized the initial event, which attracted few participants.

Tom Kenwood, Cumberland High School track coach, ran in the race for the first time during its third year, and then began assisting in its organization. He's been there since and has been the race director for decades.

Over the years, the race has grown in the number of participants and has become a tradition for many. Last year, more than 500 crossed the finish line in front of the North Cumberland Fire Department.

As the race grew, more racing categories were added, and awards are presented to the top three finishers in each.

"We usually have between 400 and 500 participants, depending on the weather, but last year we had more than 500 finish the race," said Kenwood.

Cost to enter the race is $10 prior to July 1, and $12 the day of the race. Registration can be completed online at arnoldmillsparade.com.

Registrations will be taken until 15 minutes before the race. Commemorative T-shirts will be available for $8 and refreshments will be provided. Proceeds will benefit the Arnold Mills Parade Association.

The race follows Nate Whipple Highway west to Abbott Run Valley Road to Arnold Mills Road to Quaker Road, back to Nate Whipple to Abbott Run Valley Road to Sun Valley Road, back to Arnold Mills Road, then Quaker Road and back to Nate Whipple before finishing in front of the North Cumberland Fire Department.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers in the following categories: Juniors boys and girls (under 15), Intermediate, 15-17; Open, 19-39; Master, 40-49; Senior Master, 50-59; and Veterans, 60 and older.

Awards will also be presented to the first Cumberland resident, first firefighter, first police officer and first Cumberland High School boy to finish the race.

For more information, call Kenwood at 658-0831.