The weather that usually bakes the state won’t stop hundreds of runners from enjoying a little Fourth of July jaunt.

One of the more popular destinations is Brewer for the 24th annual Walter Hunt Memorial 3K through the Twin Cities.

The race has attracted more than 400 runners in the past, and is run in front of the holiday parade.

Race director Dave Torrey is expecting another big field of competitors this year, even though the race is on a Sunday.

“Some people may be out of town or at camps, but we should be up around 400,” he said.

Approximately 395 runners finished the race last year.

The race atmosphere provides incentive for runners and walkers to return each year, regardless of the weather, Torrey explained.

“It’s always been a family affair, and lots of youngsters and their families come out, mainly because of the short distance and the parade,” Torrey said. “It’s been humid just about every year.

“Having the kids come out and participate is nice, it’s fun for them, and it’s fun to see [the lead runners from] the lead vehicle.”

Torrey expects many of the runners to preregister for the race.

“By July 2nd and 3rd, we’re right around 200,” he said.

T-shirts are given out to the first 250 who register.

Defending champions are Evan Graves of Bar Harbor (8 minutes, 38 seconds) and Heather Jovanelli of Brewer (9:59). Course records are 8:10, set in 1987 by Tim Wakeland and matched by Gary Clapper the next year, and 9:28, set by Wendy Delan, also in 1988.

“They [Graves and Jovanelli] both ran well last year,” Torrey said.

Many good runners have shown up in the past. Former Ellsworth star Joey Luchini finished second last year and his brother Louie has run in the past. He is preparing for at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Sacramento.

Old Town standout Cassie Hintz could be one of the top women this year, while former Brewer High runner Phil LeBreton should be in the lead pack on the men’s side.

Many awards are handed out as well, with the top three finishers receiving gold, silver, and bronze medallions in each division. Each age group winner gets an apple pie, and team awards are also handed out.

The race gets under way at 10:45 a.m. in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts in Brewer. Race-day registration begins at the Brewer Auditorium at 8:30, with the fee at $8 for a single runner and $25 for a family of four or more.

Some runners will be running in honor of Fred Merriam, the longtime Sub 5 track club member who died earlier this week at his home in Bucksport after battling cancer. Merriam was well-known throughout the community for his generosity to local road racing. He and wife Joan had been race directors in Bucksport for many years.

Other July 4th races include the Third annual Otter House 5K Walk/Run Race in Castine at 8 a.m. and the Friends on the Fourth 5K in Winthrop at 8 a.m. The 7-Mile Memorial Road Race and 4-Mile Walk is Saturday in Eastport at 9 a.m., starting at Perry Corner.