Southport starts to celebrate Independence Day

The city of Southport kicked off its Fourth of July Festival Saturday with its annual Freedom Run.

Dozens of joggers participated in the 5K and 1K races that circled historic Southport along the Cape Fear waterfront.

Prizes were awarded to the top runners, but many of them were there to just have fun.

“I’ve been running for quite awhile, and I was on my track team. It's just something I enjoy,” said Carmen Hilliard of Oak Island.

The Fourth of July Festival runs until Independence Day, when it finishes up with the parade and fire works show.