What’s 1.8 miles long, largely downhill, and takes place in front of thousands of people who will cheer for you … even though they’re more eager to see clowns and grown men driving go-karts?

If you’re a local runner, you obviously know the answer. If you’re not, you might want to check out the Walter Hunt Memorial Fourth of July 3K, which returns for its 22nd edition on Thursday.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 10:45, but race director Dave Torrey cautions that the registration table will close 30 minutes before the race so that officials have time to enter all the names in a computer, then head to the finish line in Bangor.

The Hunt 3K is an road-racing oddity: It generally takes runners much longer to actually get to the race – which starts at the Brewer Auditorium – than it does for them to complete the course. And while many races are long, lonely affairs, the Hunt 3K traces the Bangor-Brewer parade route, just before the floats (and go-karts) begin their trip.

The result: Every runner is a hero, and gets to run in front of a throng that numbers in the thousands.

Torrey expects the field to rival the 448 runners who finished last year, and said two local favorites have pre-registered and are expected to compete.

That pair: brothers Joey and Louie Luchini of Ellsworth.

Joey is a University of Maine standout, while Louie recently completed his third year at Stanford University as an All-American.

Two weeks ago, Louie Luchini finished fifth in the U.S. national track and field championships in the 5,000-meter run. He also ran the 5,000 and 10,000 at the NCAA championships.

Runners in the Hunt 3K enjoy making the turn from the Joshua Chamberlain bridge onto Main Street in Bangor, where the crowds really begin to pack the streets.

Runners wheel around the corner, head downhill, and see nothing but people. Applauding, screaming people. And they’ll cheer for you, even if you aren’t wearing clown shoes and a runny red nose.

“You realize that the finish line isn’t too far away and it’s all downhill, and runners seem to just let it go right there,” said Torrey, who added that some runners pay the price for beginning their kick too early.

The race offers something for everyone, and is often used as a “starter” race for youngsters who have shown an interest in running. At only 1.8 miles, it’s short enough for most people to run, jog or walk.

“It’s an interesting race because we get some real competitors, like Joey and Louie, and we get other runners where it might be the only race they do every year,” Torrey said.

Runners looking for a longer holiday offering have several to choose from … if they’re willing to travel from the Greater Bangor area.

. In Stonington, runners can choose between a 10K (The Stonington Six) and a 1.4-mile fun run or walk. The entry fee for the 10K is $9 and the fun run costs $7. Call Darcy Grindal at 367-2200 for information.

. In Sebec Village, a 5K race will be held at 8 a.m. at the town bridge. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the entry fee is $6. Call George Rolleston at 564-3443.

. In Freeport, one of the state’s most popular races will be staged beginning at 7:30: The L.L. Bean 10K. There will also be a family fun run and walk at 9:15 a.m. The entry fee is $15 for the 10K and $5 for the fun run. The first 700 registrants receive T-shirts. Call Jill Litchfield at 552-7223 for information.