As our country's 228th anniversary of independence draws near, all proud citizens will revel in the freedom we enjoy every waking moment. While the rest of us run to the supermarket to stock up on burgers, dogs, beer, and more beer, the Fort Lauderdale Road Runners will do some real running -- the kind that requires a pair of sneakers. They celebrate their freedom to sweat as they present the Freedom Run 5K on Saturday, June 26, at Quiet Waters Park (401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach). Runners will be free of bulky timing pieces around their ankles, because a cutting-edge microchip from Split Second Timing will be affixed to each participant's shoelace to record time in fractions of a second. Ain't emancipation grand? Registration costs $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the race. Race-day registration begins at 6 a.m., with the starting gun sounding at 7 a.m. If you become a bona fide member of the Road Runners club, you can enjoy weekly speed workouts, social runs, and walks at different locations throughout Broward, plus get discounts at several local sporting goods stores. Call 954-384-7521, or visit www.gflrrc.org. --Russ Evans
Spin Cycle
Pedal power plus
FRI 6/25
We understand biking purists who say, "Why the hell was indoor spinning ever invented? The great thing about riding a bike is that you get to enjoy the scenery." Then again, we also understand spinning enthusiasts who say, "Why would I want to suck smog as I ride along the death traps known as South Florida roadways? Hello, air conditioning!" The purists might just be won over at the Spinathon and Health Fair happening at Metamorphecise (111 Grand Palms Dr., Pembroke Pines) today from 5 to 9 p.m. "To keep the spinners and crowd pumping, belly dancers as well as salsa and hip-hop dancers will entertain," says the announcement for the event. Miami Dolphins players Jay Fiedler and Antuan Edwards will be there, as will chiropractors, karate demonstrations, and "special ice cream creations by Cold Stone Creamery." How's that for scenery? Spinners must raise $50 for the Reach for the Stars Foundation, which benefits people suffering from cystic fibrosis. Call 954-450-5535. --Deirdra Funcheon
Dogs Allowed
Buy Fido some peanuts and Cracker Jacks
SAT 6/26
This summer, an ongoing promotion at Jupiter's Roger Dean Stadium (4751 Main St.) caters to hounds, terriers, and schnauzers as though they were purebred elite. Bring your best friend out to a baseball game when the Palm Beach Cardinals play the Dunedin Blue Jays on Saturday night. A dog-friendly section will be reserved for pets and owners. Dogs get in free, and tickets for dog owners cost just $7. The concessions will also offer dog biscuits. Oh, and you'll actually be in for a good game as well, with the Cardinals at the top of the Florida State League standings, in the hunt for the first-half title. Bring a pooper scooper and leash. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Call 561-775-1818. --Russ Evans
Not-So-Cheap Thrills
SAT 6/26
This spring, Moroso Motorsports Park unveiled its new, state-of-the-art kart track. That's kart, not go-kart. Meaning, it's not for the modified skateboard you used to push around your driveway but for real machines with fatty engines. Slip into one of these babies during Intro School from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today. You need a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and closed-toe shoes, plus $25 for a 15-minute session or $40 for half an hour. Call 561-622-1400, or visit www.morosomotorsportspark.com. -- Deirdra Funcheon
